August 2009

The Edge Summer Project

After teaching Bible study methods to new staff, nate had an opportunity to help run a two week project called The Edge.

“God has just become more real to me. Before coming on project I had really been struggling with guilt, and I wasn’t motivated to read my Bible or pray. I finally realized why Christ is so important, that he justified me even when I was still sinning, and that God sees me [as] perfect. I feel free! I have joy again in his forgiveness.”

“The Edge was an incredible opportunity to gain vast amounts of knowledge about God, His Word, and myself.”

“I have learned so much that I am craving God even more than when I came here.”

Just a few of the comments from the students attending The Edge Summer Project in Fort Collins. I have helped to run this project for a few of the summers we have been on staff, and I’m always pleased by how God moves in the hearts of the students in 2 short weeks.

The Edge is all about equipping students through the Word so they can effectively minister back at school and beyond. There were a number of elements to accomplish this: Old Testament Survey and Doctrine Survey taught by seminary professors; Bible study methods; leading small group Bible studies with feedback; communication skills; testimony training.

In addition to these equipping elements we also seek to teach the students through learning exercises in the Rockies—including hiking, white water rafting and a caving experience called “The Crack”.

The students leave having learned much about God and themselves, having gained skill in studying, teaching, and communicating the Bible, and having developed deep relationships with other students and staff.

Because of my experience in previous years my role on The Edge was the adventure guide, leading students on hikes (above) and helping them through The Crack (below).

Kids' Column

Colorado was fun but it is good to be home. I have gotten to hang out with my neighborhood friends and see other friends at church. Lauren and I are going to Washington D.C. next month so I am reading a lot of books about the things to see there.

I left my favorite doll, Dora, at home this summer. I found out that I missed her more than I had thought I would—she goes with me next time! It is kind of weird to not have Lindsey in my bed any more. I don’t get bonked as much now!

My first cast was red and long. My second cast was white with blue dog paw prints, and it was shorter. Now I have no cast! It was sooo great to get on my bike again after almost 5 weeks  of not riding it! I scraped up my chin, lip and hand the night before getting my cast off. Mommy was shocked that the doctor still said I had no restrictions—what are “restrictions”?

I almost fit in some of the houses at Tiny Town! Since everyone else is riding a bike now I thought I could, too. Mommy put the training wheels on Andrew’s old bike and I rode to the neighbor’s driveway. But I am still not tall enough for it to be safe. In the spring I should be plenty tall enough to try again.

Caleb

Most of these pictures are from Tiny Town, one of the things we got to all do together while in Colorado. Lots of miniature buildings to walk around and look in (and sit on the porches of!). And Lindsey was proud to be the first Ardle of her generation to sport a cast! The most wonderful thing about it was that it was waterproof so she still could go swimming! It didn’t slow her down at all!

Going Mobile Only!

We are dropping our landline and will use only cell phones. Our old home number has already been disconnected. Please update your contact list.

Nate      (734) 355-1916

Shelly    (734) 223-1001

Financial Update

Thank you for praying for our financial needs! We have been encouraged as God has provided in unexpected ways through some one time gifts. We are also very grateful for new members of our support team. We still need to raise a lot of additional monthly support for the long term health of our ministry, and we will continue to work on it through the fall semester. Please pray for God’s provision and for us to learn to trust him with our support.

www.ardle.org

Staff Account #0484633