A Wig Party, Global Training, and Prayer for the Work Ahead
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Spring is in full swing across Michigan. So is growth in our family and ministry. In this update, I want to share a few joys, some upcoming travel, and ways you can partner with us in prayer.
Family Update
Ashley turned 40 this April as she kicked off a new chapter in life, beginning a Master’s in Counseling through Westminster Theological Seminary. We celebrated the only way we knew how—by throwing a full-blown wig party and wandering Frankenmuth in costume with all seven of us in character.
Aaron’s thespian journey continued this year in Mary Poppins with Muth Community Players and a raucous performance as Nick Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Clio Cast and Crew. Judah has been exploring the natural world with 4-H through The Flint River Youth Environmental Leadership group. Jonathan and Jordan have spent as many daylight hours as possible outside—gaga ball on the trampoline, epic stick sword fights, and bike rides are their go-to adventures. Jasper, now two, insists on total independence and complete attachment to Ashley.
One of the most meaningful developments this spring has been ongoing conversations with our four older boys about baptism. Each has, in his own way, begun professing faith in Christ with what seems to be heartfelt conviction. We’re overwhelmed with thankfulness as we watch the Spirit work in their lives.
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Work & Health Update
Writing and video production received most of my attention throughout the first few months of 2025. You can check out some of the short videos here. Video production has been an entirely new experience for me. While I still have much to learn, I have been thankful for the way our partners have been encouraged through that medium. Writing and editing remains one of my chief responsibilities, and I’ve enjoyed working on over 20 communications pieces so far this year. Lord willing, we will release at least another 20 or so pieces this fall, including articles on Prayer in the Life of a Preacher and video from some of our African and Asian workshops.
After a rough stretch with pneumonia and bronchitis from January through March, I’m grateful to be healthy enough to travel again. Being sidelined earlier this year meant I had to miss trips to Thailand and Egypt, which was disappointing. Please continue to pray for physical strengthening as I re-engage with a full spring schedule.
Next week, I plan to travel to the Philippines where I will spend time with training partners in our Advanced Training. Once I return stateside, I will engage with local workshops and micro-workshops throughout the Midwest.
This work has deepened my love for helping pastors and churches discover how to study God’s Word and preach Christ from all of Scripture. What a gift from God this has been!
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Micro-Workshop discussing the structure of Titus at Redemption Hill
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Training & Preaching
Here’s a snapshot of where I’ll be over the next several weeks:
- May 11 – Preaching at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Flint, MI
- May 11-19 – Meeting with Training Partners in the Philippines
- May 25 – Preaching at Gateway Church in Marysville, MI
- May 30-31 – Workshop for Nepali Pastors in Des Moines, IA
- June 6-7 – Micro-Workshop at New Covenant Bible Church in St. Charles, IL
- June 9-11 – Micro-Workshop at The Vine Church in Madison, WI
- June 15 – Preaching at City of God Church in Lafayette, IN
- June 22 – Preaching at Anchor Church in Howell, MI
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Market in Bacolod near the Advanced Training
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Prayer
Please pray for our family over these weeks as the boys and Ashley are wrapping up their semesters. Ask that the Lord would help all of us to steward our time well and speak to one another with kindness, letting grace season our speech.
As always, Ashley needs tangible support when I am away. Pray that the Lord would provide it, and consider being an answer to your prayer.
Please pray for me: first, that God’s life-giving Word would continue to renew my mind, transform my heart, and change my life even as I am preaching and training others in his Word. May I ever submit to and sit under God’s Word and never believe the lie that I am a professional Christian or an expert. Second, please pray that I would find rest and renewal through the Spirit and the Word so that I may serve my family well and work diligently for the spread of God’s Word around the world.
Please pray for the pastors and churches who are engaging in WordPartners’ workshops. Ask the Lord to transform the hearts, lives, and ministries of the pastors and their people through the power of his Word.
We are so grateful for your continued partnership—through prayer, encouragement, and giving. Since I am not traveling to a persecuted context this time, my (nearly) realtime updates from the Philippines will appear on my Facebook page.
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Thank you for your love and prayers. If there’s anything we can pray for in your life, we’d love to hear from you.
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Warmly on behalf of Ashley and the boys,
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Joe Swords
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
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12575 Ridgeland Ave.
Palos Heights, IL 60463
(800) 980-2226
You are receiving this email because of your friendship and care for me and my family over the years. You can Unsubscribe, or if you would like to learn more about WordPartners, you can sign up for other communications at Communications Sign-Up.
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