Lantern and Compass Project

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JESUS IS LIFE

I was invited to share a message at an elementary Christian school, and I walked in expecting what you’d expect with kids, some energy, a little distraction, some fidgeting. But almost right away, I realized this was going to be different. This wasn’t the first time I had been invited to this particular school to share chapel time around Valentine’s Day and they were looking forward to the unexpected.

I introduced them to “Dr. Lovell,” a slightly quirky professor there to teach about the heart. That got a few smiles and a few laughs, just enough to pull them in. We started with the basics: what the heart does, why it matters, how something about the size of your fist can keep your whole body going. Simple things, but important ones. They had remembered Heartly, a heart on a string that I had brought the previous year and were looking forward to his return. Knowing he was returning with Dr. Lovell added anticipation to the message.

They were paying attention, mostly. So, I started with what I had prepared knowing that Holy Spirit would add His thoughts as the instruction moved forward. .

Along with Heartly, we made the parallel between how the heart regulates the flow of the blood in our body to how our love for Jesus regulates the frequency in how often we share Jesus with others. Just like the heart is the source of life for the body, Jesus is the source of life for us.

We practiced a phrase together, adding motions to help it stick: “Love lives when we share Jesus.” At first it was just repetition. Then it became something more. They said it louder, with a little more confidence each time, like they were starting to believe it and commit it to memory.

The object lesson is where everything came alive. I had a basket labeled JESUS containing heart themed pencils, nothing fancy, just simple little reminders. One student came up, took a pencil, and then took two more to give away. Then those students came up and did the same thing. And then more. And more. Before long, the room was full of movement. There was something exciting about the whole scene, kids moving, smiling, participating in what felt like a game but beneath it all was a truth that carried real weight: God’s love was never meant to stop with us.

They were figuring out how it works. You receive, you go back to the source, JESUS, and you share. That’s it. Just one person telling another person about Jesus.

What stood out to me wasn’t just that they understood it, but that they realized they could actually do it right now at their age. My prayer was that they were already thinking about who they were going to give their pencil to as they shared the message about Jesus. It is my heart’s desire that they realize, ‘The greatest way to show someone you love them… is to tell them about Jesus.’ Then I challenged them to have the heart and the courage to give the message of Jesus away.

As I walked out, I kept thinking about what might happen next. A conversation on the playground, a quiet moment with a friend, a small step that feels big when you’re a kid. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just one person, then another, because love doesn’t just sit still—it moves.

Love lives when we share Jesus.

Fueling the Mission

How Speed the Light Helped Fuel the Mission (and My Subaru)

They say you can’t put a price on a good adventure—but if you’ve ever driven a Subaru packed with photobooth props, adaptive equipment, and a suspicious number of Hershey chocolate bars, you know ministry on the move takes more than a full tank of gas.

Because of STL support, my Subaru has crisscrossed counties delivering supplies to camps for kids and adults with special needs—where 12 campers made first-time decisions to follow Jesus and 7 publicly declared their faith through baptism. Eternal impact… with cupholders full of glitter.

But the mission hasn’t stopped at camp. This hardworking Subaru has also
• picked up donations from local businesses,
• transported teams for food and clothing distributions,
• carried me to multiple meetings with team members,
• driven miles to meet and coach a PSOM student every month,
• and shown up faithfully at fundraiser after fundraiser with promotional materials and supplies.

There’s still graham crackers crushed in the backseat and probably a marshmallow stuck under the seat—but more importantly, this vehicle became a vessel for eternity.

Thank you, Speed the Light, for fueling far more than miles. You’re fueling ministry that lasts forever.

Strength Beyond the Gym

When I first walked into Crucible Performance and met Ryan, the owner and my trainer, I expected nothing more than a physical challenge. I thought it would be about lifting weights, building endurance, and maybe regaining some mobility so I could better keep up with my children and grandchildren. What I didn’t expect was how deeply God would use this journey to reshape me—not just physically, but spiritually.

Through Ryan’s encouragement and the discipline of training, my workouts became more than exercise. They became moments where God reminded me of His strength in my weakness. Every rep and every stretch beyond my comfort zone mirrored the spiritual growth He was calling me to embrace. Just as my body was being pushed and renewed, so was my faith.

But what has impacted me most is how Ryan has poured into me spiritually. His deep relationship with Jesus flows naturally into every conversation, turning ordinary workouts into opportunities for discipleship. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.” That has been my experience with Ryan. Week after week, he has sharpened me—challenging me not only to grow stronger in body but to grow deeper in Christ.

This is the heart behind Crucible Performance: “We exist to become an inflection point in our community’s lives. That means transforming the way people in Frederick live—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—so they can become who God designed them to be.” My story is living proof of that mission. This program is about more than workouts—it’s about transformation, inflection points, both now and for eternity.

Ryan has not only helped me strengthen my body but has also helped me see how God is shaping my spirit. He is impacting lives far beyond the gym walls—helping people discover who they are in Christ and how they can live for His glory. My life is forever changed because of the crucibles I’ve faced, the encouragement I’ve received, and the God who continues to use it all for His eternal purposes.

As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8, NLT). At Crucible, I’ve discovered both—and for that, I am deeply grateful.

Courageous Ability Camp

Weeks of Growth, Friendship, and Ministry

Safari theme party

This summer, we had the joy of partnering with Ability Tree to participate in two weeks of Adult Special Needs Camp, where the theme each week was “Courageous” from Deuteronomy 31:6:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Those words became more than just a memory verse—they became a guiding truth that shaped every moment of camp.

Each week began with a lively “Safari” theme party, complete with wild animals, savannah photo booth, and community fun. It set the stage for a week where campers and counselors alike stepped out in courage to try new things, build friendships, and grow in faith.

One of the most exciting new elements was the introduction of Courageous Workshop Teams. Campers explored different ways to serve through hands-on experiences with the Care Team, Creative Movement Team, Service Team and Stage Team. Before being placed in one of the workshops, each camper shared what they enjoyed and what they felt were their unique talents. From there, they were placed in a Courageous Workshop team where they could learn, grow, and discover how God could use their gifts in ministry.

A powerful moment happened during the Care Team workshop. Campers were asked to pray about someone they could encourage by creating a handmade card. One camper felt led to make a card for another camper who wasn’t always easy to get along with. When the card was given, something beautiful happened—the camper receiving it began to cry. When her counselor gently asked why, she explained, “I’m crying happy tears. No one has ever given me a card before.” It was a moment of courage, kindness, and God’s love breaking down walls.

These workshops also became safe spaces for honest conversations. Campers shared their struggles and the challenges they face in everyday life. What followed was a powerful exchange of prayer and encouragement as they lifted one another up.

Campers weren’t the only ones changed—so were the counselors. One first-time teen counselor admitted his entire perspective shifted during the week. He entered camp with preconceived ideas about the special needs community, but left with a deep appreciation for how God uniquely designed each person with purpose. He experienced worship in a more open, authentic way, and by the end of the week he was freely entering into times of prayer and praise. He was so impacted that he’s already planning to serve multiple weeks next year.

Each week ended with a joy-filled Talent Show, where campers showcased their gifts and passions. From poems to songs to unique creative talents, the room was filled with celebration and applause. Yet the most powerful moments came when campers chose to share worship songs—leading the entire camp into genuine, Spirit-filled times of worship.

Camp is always full of fun, laughter, and new friendships, but this year being courageous meant more than that. It meant trying new things, stepping into ministry, learning to see ourselves and others as God does, and worshiping with freedom. We are so thankful for every camper, counselor, and partner who helped make these weeks a camp to remember.

Learning to Live Brave

This summer’s Kids Camp was one to remember! With a savannah theme, our days were filled with adventure, laughter, and powerful moments with God.

Lions, hyenas, sunsets, and safari fun set the stage for our camp theme: “Live Brave”, inspired by our verse from Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

“I command you—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Throughout the week, the kids learned about the Lion’s True Identity—a reminder that just like a lion grows into its roar, each child can discover their true identity in Christ. We talked about what it means to live with courage, not because of our own strength, but because God promises to be with us no matter where life takes us.

One of the most powerful testimonies came from a grandparent of a camper. She shared:

” I just wanted to pass on some very positive feedback… my beautiful 11-year-old granddaughter just called me almost in tears telling me how God spoke to her today during the quiet time when she asked God a question. She asked God to help her with her fear of the dark and she very clearly heard Him speak back to her… ‘I will, My Child.’”

Moments like this 11-year-old remind us why camp matters so much. God is faithful to meet kids right where they are—whether in the fun of a game, the laughter of a meal shared, or the stillness of a prayer time.

Throughout the week, our staff served with remarkable unity, all centered on one mission: helping children take their next step with Jesus—whether making a first-time decision to follow Him or publicly declaring their faith through water baptism. From chaperones to kitchen crew, recreation leaders to the prayer team, every person gave their best with joy, building an environment where kids felt safe, deeply loved, and open to hearing God’s voice.

As we wrapped up the week, it was clear: courage had taken root. Kids left camp not just with memories of games and songs, but with the confidence that they are never alone. God is with them. Always.

This summer, we celebrated more than a theme. We celebrated a generation learning to “Live Brave” in Jesus.

🎥 Want to relive the adventure? Don’t miss our camp recap video! [Live Brave Recap]