FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. 

If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

 
I saw this picture and thought...isn't God awesome, the beauty he created for us to enjoy. Then I read the blog below and had to share with you. 

“God looked over everything He had made; it was good, so very good!”

{Genesis 1:31, MSG}

He Calls Us Good . . .

With a word, God made the world.

He simply uttered, “Let there be light.” And there was light.

Day and night.
Moon and stars.
Land and sky.

He spoke the universe into being. And it was good.

With each new word He breathed, the whole earth sprang to life. Creatures of every kind crawled and climbed. Wings took flight.

God’s very words — imbued with the power to create — showered the earth with new color. Yet, this was merely the overture of the symphony to come.

God spoke again and created man. Then He looked over everything He had made, His symphony of creation swelling with crescendo, and you know what He said? He said it is good, so very good.

That’s what He thinks of His creation. That’s what He thinks of you and me.

He calls us good, so very good.

Lord, help us to remember that we are Your workmanship.
Your love reaches beyond our imagination. Your sacrifice covers beyond our comprehension.
We are good because You called us so. We thank You for the light and life You bring.
For You are good. And You alone are worthy of our praise.

We celebrate God’s goodness even as we await the final encore of His symphony. For we know that one day Christ will return and restore — once and for all — all that is lost and broken. And until that day comes, He invites us to be with Him in sweet communion.

Whatever hurt or sorrow we carry, we can carry it to Him in prayer. We can cover each other in prayer too. And here at (in)courage, we consider it our greatest privilege to come alongside you in prayer.

How can we pray for you today?
As you leave a prayer request in the comments, be sure to pray also for the person just before you.
You can click on “Sort by Newest” to see the most recent prayer request.
Click on “Load More Posts” to be able to see everything.
If you log in to Disqus, you’ll then be able to receive all the responses to your prayer request directly to your inbox.


by Denise J. Hughes

WE ARE PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST - Health, Wisdom, Strength

And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.  Ephesians 6:18

Hugh & Lily Boyd
Beverly Baughn
Carol Ann Burns
LaReign Hodges
Betty Hyta
Kristen Largent
Walter Rohm
Carol Smoke  

MISSIONS UPDATE

 

This Sunday, August 9th we have the honor to have one of our Desert Springs missionaries, Adam Hussey speaking.  Adam & Alei Hussey serve with Action International in Manila, Philippines.
They minister through a Street Children's Outreach, Youth Discipleship, Video Production and Feeding Program to help the needy.  Keep Adam & Alei in your prayers each day. They are precious servants of Christ.

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. 

If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

A quiet life?  What is that, no really...what is that? 

“Make it your goal to live a quiet life,

minding your own business and working with your hands,

just as we instructed you before. Then people

who are not believers will respect the way you live,

and you will not need to depend on others.” 

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NLT  

A quiet life seems impossible. I'm just saying, we are not accustomed to the quiet. We’re used to a backdrop of noise. It’s constant. Rings, dings, chimes, chatter, talk shows, music playing, radio news, video games, dogs barking, children asking, family meals, parents needs, weather reports, emergency alerts, debates, discussions, traffic noise, construction hammers, motorcycles revving, teens playing, babies crying...see what I mean? 

But God gave us a goal to live a quiet life BECAUSE:

• In the quiet, we can’t say anything we shouldn’t be saying. 
• In the quiet, we listen better.
• In the quiet, we understand better.
• In the quiet, we can hear His still small voice better.

And it’s in this place of soul-quiet, His peace comes.  May I encourage you to find a quiet place, to make it your goal to live a quiet life? 

PRAYING FOR HEALING, COMFORT, STRENGTH & WISDOM !

Hugh & Lily Boyd * Beverly Baughn * Carol Ann Burns * LaReign Hodges * Betty Hyta * Kristen Largent* Walter Rohm  * Barbra Smith * Carol Smoke  

MISSION UPDATE 

Evangeline Byrnes-St. Clair left this week for a 5 month mission trip to her home town in Tacloban, Philippines.  She wants to thank all of you who donated Ziplock bags to be used to fill with food and handed out to the hungry.  

Evangeline was overwhelmed by the number of bags we donated, it literally brought her to tears.  How precious is our sister? Continue to pray for the Lord to grant her wisdom, strength, health and direction as she ministers and serves Him in so many different ways. 

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10  

• The UTAP church
• The Kids & Youth Outreach Programs
• Women's Bible Studies
• Prison Ministry 
• Feeding the Hungry & Poor
• Construction & Rebuilding of the Church grounds (after the 2013 typhoon)

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. 

If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.



I love reading blogs that inspire me and sometime reprimand me for getting off course.  This is one of those times I needed both.... Laura Keener

Let's Be People Who See One Another

July 15, 2015 01:20 AM CST | Angela Nazworth

YOU ARE NOT ALONE....

1. You are seen and you are never alone.

You’re not invisible to God and you’re not invisible to His people. Maybe you’re in a season of loneliness. I’ve been there and understand that ache of loneliness is heavier and more oppressive than a steaming hot, muggy day. Feeling as if all your motions and emotions slink by unnoticed hurts and rubs a heart thin. But regardless of how you feel, here’s the truth straight from the Word of God: You are not alone.

“As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” {Joshua 3:7}

And, chances are great that someone you never even noticed saw you and is praying for you, because God moves in our hearts even if we’re too afraid to respond in the moment.

2. When you notice someone, let them know you see them.

The pace of life is fast and often uncomfortable. We sometimes look through people instead of really noticing them.

Here’s a challenge for both you and me: Instead of rushing through our days and/or brushing off encounters that could be awkward, what would happen if we asked God to tug at our hearts so we can see and respond to His people?

Let’s be people who refuse to avert our eyes when we pass a homeless man on the street. Let’s be people who smile and say hello to the woman in the wheelchair. Let’s be people who grab flowers at the grocery store to give to the mom whose toddler just had a massive meltdown in aisle three. Let’s be people who see each other, celebrate each other, and pray for each other.
Let’s be people who say, “God sees you, I see you, and you’re beautiful. You matter.”

PRAYING FOR HEALING, COMFORT, 

STRENGTH &  WISDOM 

Hugh & Lily Boyd * Beverly Baughn * LaReign Hodges * Betty Hyta * Howie & Chevile Johnson * Mike Kunkle * John Ott * Walter Rohm  & Carol Smoke  

MISSION UPDATE 

Evangeline Byrnes-St. Clair is leaving this week for a 5 month mission trip to her home town in Tacloban, Philippines.  She needs the Lord to grant her wisdom, strength, health and direction as she ministers and serves Him in so many different ways. 

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10  

• The UTAP church
• The Kids & Youth Outreach Programs
• Women's Bible Studies
• Prison Ministry 
• Feeding the Hungry & Poor
• Construction & Rebuilding of the Church grounds (after the 2013 typhoon)

Please remember to pray for our Evangeline and her ministry each day. And lift her husband Michael up in prayer too; as he remains home to continue his responsibilities for their lives here in the desert.    

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. 

If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

A Celebration of Life service is confirmed for Saturday, July 11 at 11:00am, here at Desert Springs.  You are warmly invited and thank you for spreading the word about this important date. 

Steve Freese, a friend, Desert Springs board member and part of our church family went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 20th.  Please pray for his wife of 51 years, Gwenda, their children, grandchildren, family & friends to find comfort knowing Steve is now with the Lord.  No more health issues, nor pain, nor tears for he is living in the light of the risen Lamb.

No more night. No more pain. No more tears. Never crying again. 

And praises to the great "I AM." We will live in the light of the risen Lamb.

See over there, there's a mansion, oh that's prepared just for me,

where I will live with my savior eternally.

No more night. No more pain. No more tears. Never crying again. 

And praises to the great "I AM." We will live in the light of the risen Lamb.

PRAYING FOR HEALING, COMFORT, 
STRENGTH &  WISDOM 

Hugh & Lily Boyd * Beverly Baughn * LaReign Hodges * Mike Kunkle * Dave Metzler * John Ott * Walter Rohm * Carol Smoke * Jack & Joan Washburn, comfort for loss of their son, Steven .

Belated Happy 4th of July!

“Praise the Lord, all nations everywhere.

Praise Him, all the peoples of the earth. For He loves us very dearly.”

{Psalm 117:1-2, TLB}

To Be Free . . .

From the islands of Hawaii to the peninsula of Florida, we gather this weekend to celebrate freedom — to remember the independence this nation sought through the declaration of the inalienable right to be free.

But the irony of freedom is that it’s never free.

Freedom was declared with words but bought with blood. So we honor those who have made the greatest sacrifice, those who have given their lives so that we could be free.

The Fourth of July is more than picnics and parades. It’s more than strawberry shortcake and blueberry pie. It’s a day to remember the many sacrifices that made our freedom possible. It’s a day to say “Thank you.”

To the soldiers and the families of soldiers, we thank you. We know these words alone are not enough to express our sincerest thanks, but we want you to know we see you, and we are so deeply grateful for you.

And if there’s any way we could pray for you, we would consider it an honor.

Many of us might not know, firsthand, the cost of freedom. But we serve a Father who knows what it means to lose a Son so that others can be free.

Our souls can know freedom because of the blood of Jesus.
Our futures can have hope because of the blood of Jesus.
Our lives can speak love because of the blood of Jesus.

So we’ll never stop praising the One who loves us so dearly that He gave His own life.

blog by Denise J. Hughes

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. 

If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

In Memory of Steve Freese

Steve Freese, a friend, Desert Springs board member and part of our church family went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 20th.  Please pray for his wife of 51 years, Gwenda, their children, grandchildren, family & friends to find comfort knowing Steve is now with the Lord.  No more health issues, nor pain, nor tears for he is living in the light of the risen Lamb.

No more night. No more pain. No more tears. Never crying again. 

And praises to the great "I AM." We will live in the light of the risen Lamb.

See over there, there's a mansion, oh that's prepared just for me,

where I will live with my savior eternally.

No more night. No more pain. No more tears. Never crying again. 

And praises to the great "I AM." We will live in the light of the risen Lamb.

A Celebration of Life service is confirmed for Saturday, July 11 at 11:00am, here at Desert Springs.  You are warmly invited and thank you for spreading the word about this important date. 

PRAYING FOR HEALING, COMFORT, 
STRENGTH &  WISDOM 

Lily Boyd * Beverly Baughn * Bill Beers & Daughter * Phil Drehmer's brother, Richard * LaReign Hodges * Mike Kunkle * Dave Metzler * John Ott * Walter Rohm * Carol Smoke * Washburn's son, Steven  & Virgil Webb

We are called to GO so we WENT! 

Our DSC Mission Team is back from La Mision, Baja California, Mexico. Thank you for your prayers, we had great cool weather, safe travels, no health issues and tons of blessings! We helped in construction on  an apartment for Open Arms Childcare Ministry for new Site Directors. We did awesome crafts, bible & play time each day with the 60 kids they care for.  I will say everyone on our team worked hard, played hard and slept hard!

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, last year I personally committed to serving the Lord outside our church and outside our community at least one week a year.  I will continue to pray that others will do the same.  One week to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in greatest need is humbling, believe me. 

I'd like to keep the books listed below for another week. Each one will help you understand the importance of serving others. They will challenge and change you, for the purpose God has intended for each of us. 

SUGGESTED BOOKS TO READ:
Follow Me, by David Platt
Called, by Mark Labbberton
Live to Make A Difference, by Max Lucado
Going All In, by Mark Batterson

Laura Keener

Frontline Director, Desert Springs Church

Missions Update

June 11, 2015

Desert Springs Church, Palm Desert, CA

Jim and Ann Leonovich Ukraine trip report.

We departed May 26, 2015 for Kiev, Ukraine, with the purpose of attending the graduation for students from the Irpin Bible Seminary just outside of Kiev. We have been involved with this seminary for twenty years.  The second mission is to the Transformation Church in Kiev with Pastor Peter Marchenko.

This year 150 students graduated with different degrees. Bachelor degrees in Biblical Studies, Theology, Education and Psychology. Master degrees in Divinity and Theology. Doctorate degrees in Ministry, Philosophy and Theology.

Jim caught up with a lot of our colleagues who attended this graduation ceremony. We had a great time encouraging and praying with the graduates some whom we have known for years. We had many meetings with various pastors and friends as we planned future projects and worked on budgets. Jim also spoke at the Sunday morning worship service.

We had a very busy schedule right from the get go. Pastor Peter picked us up in Irpin and we drove to Kiev. It was Wednesday so we had prayer meeting at the church.  Thursday morning at 7am there is always an all region and county prayer meeting held at the Central Church in Kiev. Pastors and presbyters from 26 churches gather every week and have lunch together. Jim had the opportunity to address the brothers and share from the Word. Greetings were passed on to them and their churches from Desert Springs Church. They in turn send greetings back to Desert Springs Church. This is a very important and beloved custom.   We had meetings at the church every day so our days were quite busy, usually 14 to 18 hours. We did have time to rest though. Saturday, 13 June, we were at a Young Adult evangelism service. It was an awesome event with around 500 attending. There were a few decisions made to follow Jesus that night. On Sunday morning we attended and participated in both services. A young man came to Christ in the first service and a young lady rededicated her life to the Lord. The evening service was a special ordination service. Jim participated in the laying on of hands and blessing the young men.  We also learned about the stresses on families, and the many refugees, due to the war and that many husbands are fighting on the front.

Praise the Lord for His traveling mercies and health. We only regret that the trip was so quick. We prefer at least 1½ month’s stay.

In Christ,

Jim and Ann Leonovich

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. 

If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

PRAYING FOR HEALING, COMFORT, 
STRENGTH &  WISDOM 

Lily Boyd * Beverly Baughn * Bill Beers & Daughter * Phil Drehmer's brother, Richard * LaReign Hodges * Mike Kunkle * Walter Rohm * Carol Smoke * Washburn's son, Steven  & Virgil Webb

We are called to GO so we are going! 

Our DSC Mission Team leave this Sunday, June 14 for La Mision, Baja California, Mexico. Will you please commit to pray for us each day?  We will be constructing an apartment for Open Arms Childcare Ministry, doing crafts, having bible & play time each day with the 60 kids they care for.  We will also serve at the Door of Faith Orphanage with crafts and games for the 100 children that live there full time, one big big family.  To share Jesus with these children, help some families with home repairs & help construction on  an apartment are all a privilege.  

Last year I personally committed to serving the Lord outside our church and outside our community at least one week a year.  I pray that others will do the same.  One week to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in greatest need is humbling, believe me. Being obedient to Jesus command to "Follow Me" is not always our top priority...we are comfortable, rather send funds, or pay for others to go.  I believe if you can physically go - you are to go. 

Our world is filled with human suffering, hunger, persecution, poverty, violence and injustice.   We hold in our hands the answer - JESUS! For He will give new eternal life, hope, strength, wisdom, comfort and peace...no matter the circumstance.  

To help you understand the importance of serving others I have listed some great books to read.  They will challenge and change you, for the purpose God has intended for each of us. 

SUGGESTED BOOKS TO READ:
Follow Me, by David Platt
Called, by Mark Labbberton
Live to Make A Difference, by Max Lucado
Going All In, by Mark Batterson

Missions Update 

Our very own Desert Springs family member, Sherry Bernheisel is filled with JOY as she serves the LORD in La Mision, Mexico.  She is teaching the children about Jesus at Open Arms Childcare Ministry by telling bible stories and doing crafts with them, making cookies and planning special events.  

Sherry felt the call to move there last summer on our mission trip.  It took almost a year for all things to fall in place, but she never lost sight of her calling.  The Lord has provided for her every need and has filled her with a peace that passes all understanding.  

We are looking forward to being with Sherry on this years Mexico Mission Trip from June 14-19.  Please pray for Sherry each day and pray for our team as we travel and serve others, thank you!

Laura Keener

Frontline Director, Desert Springs Church

"You have not chose Me, but I have chosen you (I have planted you), that you might GO and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and your fruit may be lasting."  John 15:16

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. 

If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

PRAYING FOR HEALING, COMFORT, 
STRENGTH &  WISDOM 

Lily Boyd * Beverly Baughn * Bill Beers & Daughter * Phil Drehmer's brother, Richard, Bill Beers & Daughter * LaReign Hodges * Mike Kunkle * Walter Rohm * Carol Smoke * Washburn's son, Steven  & Virgil Webb

We are called to GO.

Do you wonder what God’s will is for your family? It’s to fulfill His mission. We wonder where, what, when . . . and we often get bogged down in the unknown details. The way we accomplish this mission will look a million different ways.

Where are you going today? The grocery store. The school. The neighbor’s house. Wherever you go, fulfill your mission and shine Jesus. Your small step of obedience might lead you to great destinations or it might just lead you to the dog food aisle. Either way, going is half the victory. Because that is your family’s greatest mission.

“If it falls to your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures, sweep streets like Beethoven composed music . . . Sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry. Sweep streets so well that all the host of heaven and earth will have to pause and say: Here lived a great street sweeper who swept his job well.” ~Martin Luther King Jr.

God isn’t waiting for us to be perfect or get our act together, so we can change the world; He specializes in using the less-than-perfect places in our lives for His glory.

It’s our mission if we choose to accept it.

Written by Kristen Welch, We are THAT family

Missions Update 

Our very own Desert Springs family member, Sherry Bernheisel is filled with JOY as she serves the LORD in La Mision, Mexico.  She is teaching the children about Jesus at Open Arms Childcare Ministry by telling bible stories and doing crafts with them, making cookies and planning special events.  

Sherry felt the call to move there last summer on our mission trip.  It took almost a year for all things to fall in place, but she never lost sight of her calling.  The Lord has provided for her every need and has filled her with a peace that passes all understanding.  

We are looking forward to being with Sherry on this years Mexico Mission Trip from June 14-19.  Please pray for Sherry each day and pray for our team as we travel and serve others, thank you!

Laura Keener

Frontline Director, Desert Springs Church

"You have not chose Me, but I have chosen you (I have planted you), that you might GO and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and your fruit may be lasting."  John 15:16