What a summer it has been! Summers at Compass have typically been a season of regrouping and planning for the fall semester, but not this one!...

One of the things we asked God when we started Compass was to show us how we can engage with our community and put our faith into action beyond the walls of a building. We asked that He would teach us how to walk in confidence of who He is and guide us into places where we could make His love be known. This summer, He has been showing off! He has given us sweet times of worship and prayer on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. He has open doors and grown a “bed ministry” (See the Compass Community article). He even gave us an amazing summer of coed softball (Compass BaseStormers Unite)!

On top of all that, God blessed us with some amazing partnerships that allow us to continue to serve and grow His Kingdom. Here are a couple of partnerships and new relationships we have established this summer...

This was year three of Camp Better, a partnership with Compete Training Academy that brings in collegiate basketball players for a week of physical, mindset, and spiritual training. We hosted the players each night for a meal and spiritual development. We focused on establishing Truth, following the Way (John 14:6), and living in the victory that is found through the empty tomb of Jesus Christ. Our prayer for each of these players is that this week reminds them that their identity isn’t found in a game they play and their worth isn’t found in how well they play it, but their identity and worth are found in the One True God who loves them and desires to use their abilities to make Him known to the world around them.

We also partnered with Royal Family Kids of Grant County in helping to bring Royal Family Kids Camp to Grant County. Over 70 volunteers from 8 different churches came together to provide an amazing week of camp for 21 children who are in the foster care system. It was a week where each child had an individual “buddy” who showed them that they are loved and valued regardless of the situation they find themselves in. This week of camp was a beautiful reflection of God’s love for all of us and of His desire for all of us to be His hands and feet to the hurting world around us.

We have also been working on a brand-new partnership with Unity Worship. The mission of Unity is to bring together young adults from all walks of life to glorify the Triune God through service, discipleship, worship, and prayer as we align our hearts with the Kingdom of Heaven, and we are thrilled to be bringing them under the Compass Worship Ministry! Owen Brookshire and Brason Chaney are continually seeking ways not only to provide worship experiences for young adults in our area, but also to create paths to train and raise up the next generation of worship leaders. We are thrilled to partner with Unity and are eager to see how God is going to further their ministry and His Kingdom through this ministry.

From the very beginning of Compass, we have desired to stay out of God’s way, allowing Him to lead as we humbly steward the resources and opportunities He provides us. Our prayer for Compass and for all of you is that we would take the same heart and prayer posture of David when he said, “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5)

Jeff Thompson, Compass Executive Director