I’m a Washington boy tried and true, however, I have some pretty significant influences (past and present) in California and as I was praying this morning I realized a lot of my prayer focus today is California based.  So, whether or not you agree that In-N-Out is by far the best fast food burger; perhaps you don’t think Disneyland is the happiest place on earth, or maybe you’re not a huge fan of Arnold or any of his movies; sit back and at least give praise and prayer for the things I’m thinking and praying about in CA:

My Best-Bud Jeramy: Jeramy is on of the Pastors at Emmanuel Faith Community Church (efcc.org) in Escondido, CA.  He had the privilege of delivering the sermon last week and gets to do it again on Sunday (here is last week’s message).  Please pray for the Word of the Lord to be clear to him as he delivers the message.  On top of that, Jeramy is preparing to be the camp speaker at Hume Lake Camp for a high school camp Aug. 16-22.  Hume is one of the largest Christian camps in the nation so it is a high honor for Jeramy to have been asked to speak here!

Speaking of EFCC: The Emmanuel Faith High School group has a team serving through Youthmark in the Gulf Coast as you read.  Josh, the Youth Pastor, just updated their blog here.  I’d love for you join them in prayer this week as they transition from New Orleans inner-city focus to Pass Christian and doing ministry in a small town.

Speaking of Small Towns: The five teams from the greater Seattle area serving in Northern California are finishing a wonderful week of ministry.  Don’t hesitate to go here to see the latest, scroll down to July 18-27 to read each of the three church blogs representing the five teams.

My friend Mike: Mike Penberthy, a former Los Angeles Laker is preparing to come up north to speak at Lake Retreat at the Men’s Retreat September 18-20. Please pray for his messages to be developed and for the men who will be in attendance.  If you are a man, we’d love for you to get your men’s ministry at your church to join us, let me know you’re interested and I’ll get in touch with you.

My Family: My in-laws live in Southern California.  I have been blessed with a great extended family. I don’t let a day go by without thanking the Lord for the family He has blessed me with.  I’d appreciate your prayers for them, not for any particular need that I know of at this time, just a quick “thank you” for their influence on the Aaby family, their partnership in the ministry and their wonderful gifts (which go far beyond physical gifts–they are the most giving emotionally, spiritually, words of wisdom, etc.).

Okay, okay, you can pray that I get an In-N-Out Burger soon!

Though I don’t love California (though I must say it’s a great place to visit), I love much about California!  God is at work there and for that I am very thankful!

Grace,
Brian