Church Family,

I hope you are having a great summer. Currently, I am enjoying some time away to rest and refresh. It's been a wonderful week so far. It started this past Monday. I was privileged to be able to attend the Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast in London. The great mathematician and Christian apologist, John Lennox spoke concerning the need for believers to live out their faith in the workplace. It was an incredible challenge and a highlight to hear him speak. John has debated some of the most ardent atheists of our day! I encourage you to do a simple Google or YouTube search to learn more about him and his ministry.

On Sunday, I was able to worship at St. Aldate's Church in Oxford. It is full of young people who are passionate about the Lord and His work. Oxford is of course a world city and they have people from all the different nations of the world worshipping there. Below you'll find a glimpse of their worship service that I captured - it's beautiful to see and hear them praising Jesus. I was deeply moved by the message that was given and encouraged to see the same God that is at work in Houston is working in the city of Oxford.

Earlier that day, I made my way to "Addison's Walk". This is a beautiful path on the campus of Magdalen College in Oxford. It's where C.S. Lewis lectured and taught for many years, and the walk is where a conversation between he and J.R.R. Tolkien took place that would eventually lead to Lewis's conversion. I was also able to visit his gravesite that is not too far away. It was a real pleasure to be able to walk in the steps of Lewis and pay my respects to the man who gave us writings such as The Screwtape Letters, Surprised by Joy, and The Chronicles of Narnia.

As I have been away, I have taken a lot of time to think about all God is doing at Champion Forest, and to pray for our church. I'm so grateful for His hand of blessing on us, and am asking for Him to prepare us for what is NEXT in our future as a church. I can't wait to get back and share what God has taught me on this brief break.

Please continue to pray for me while I'm away. Ask the Lord to fill me with His Spirit, and to give me the mind of Christ. I look forward to coming back rested and refueled.

I'm so grateful for our team that is helping carry the load preaching this summer. I am really enjoying our Stronger series and look forward to the remaining messages that will be delivered over the course of the next few weeks. I want to remind you of our First Saturday Prayer in our Chapel at our Champions Campus this Saturday at 8:00am, and I also want to wish you a very happy 4th of July.

This weekend, we will take time to thank all of those that have served in our military, and to pray for our country. The Bible tells us to "give honor to whom honor is due" (Rom. 13:7), and we certainly honor those that have served our country. What a blessing to live in the United States of America, and what a privilege it is to pray for our nation, its leaders, and its future.

I love you, Champion Forest, and am thankful to serve as your pastor.

Sincerely,

Pastor Jarrett