There is a lot going on in the ARC this summer. The works of Jesus (see Luke 4:18) are being carried out through a variety of strategies including a longtime summer staple – Vacation Bible School. A number of children – and teens and adults – are still being impacted for the kingdom of God through Vacation Bible schools. We are hearing exciting testimonies of God working through this long practiced strategy from churches in the White Mountains of Arizona (Grace – Show Low) to a Midwest mega church (North Heights Lutheran) to the left coast (Good Shepherd in Irvine, CA), and more. Along with VBS, a number of leaders and members of ARC churches have launched out in missions of various sorts, including ARC leader, Bob Mabry, who is on his way to Indonesia! Outreaches to the homeless, ministry to the poor and hungry, and loving the forgotten in places such as crisis pregnancy centers are happening through the ministry of ARC churches across the United States. All this and so much more. Thank you all for continuing the works of Jesus through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

Following is some of what we have in the works this summer to help serve you more effectively as you and your congregations continue serving the Lord:

• Prayer – There is continual, contending prayer going on in the ARC this summer. Intercessors, prayer groups, and congregational prayer meetings are engaging in prayer. Prayer is preparing the ground for the work God is going to be doing in and through the ARC this year. There is also intentional, personal prayer going on for each of you as ARC leaders by name – prayers for you, your families, and your congregations. If you have a specific request you’d like to have prayed for, email it to ARC Director, Mike Bradley, at: safeplacemb@gmail.com. Or, send him a message via Facebook.
• Ongoing pastoral and leadership care-giving. ARC Director, Mike Bradley, along with other ARC leaders, continue to provide ongoing care-giving for pastors and leaders in ARC congregations throughout the summer. 
• Planning and Preparation – Planning and preparation for our 2014 ARC National Gatherings, Life Together Days, and Life Together groups is ongoing this summer. The planning and preparation we are doing now will help set the stage for what God wants to say to us and do in us as we gather together in the same rooms at the same times with one another and Holy Spirit.
• Continued prayer and preaching on God’s Improbable Provision. We continue to pray for and preach a message God has given us for the ARC concerning His improbable provision in a year of living more generously (see testimony on this in this edition of your E-News). 
• Advancing leadership development. Plans are underway to continue advancing leadership development in the ARC through the hosting of Building Healthy Leader seminars and working in partnership with The Master’s Institute School of Ministry in five different locations this year. Providing teams for ministry training. Teams are being organized and prepared to be sent out around the country where requested to provide ministry training for members of ARC congregations in regards to various ministry skills which can help equip them for ministry in their congregations, workplaces, and homes.