This summer I’ve enjoyed re-reading Watchman Nee’s The Normal Christian Life with a group of guys.

It reminded me of something I so easily forget: 

Jesus didn’t simply come to help me live the Christian life—He came to be my life.

It’s amazing how quickly I drift back into relying on my own wisdom, determination, or experience to do what only Christ can do. Whether I’m counseling someone, preparing to teach, or simply navigating everyday life, I’m learning again that freedom doesn’t come from trying harder. It comes from trusting the One who lives in me.

When Paul wrote, “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27), he wasn’t just describing a doctrine to believe. He was describing a Person to depend on.

As you read this update, I hope you’ll see that theme woven throughout. Whether we’re talking about counseling, church life, new ministry opportunities, or even our own personal journey, we’re simply watching Jesus do what only He can do.

Walking with People

One of my greatest joys this year has been welcoming several new one-on-one counseling relationships. There is nothing quite like watching God open someone’s eyes to the truth of who they are in Christ. It’s like watching someone awaken to the Life that has been theirs all along.

I also continue to meet with two groups of men who genuinely enjoy sharing life together. These brothers encourage me as much as I hope to encourage them, helping keep my own heart anchored in God’s love and grace.

This fall, Grace Ministries is offering True Life Training in a new way—small groups of four people learning and growing together. This training had a profound impact on my own understanding of Christ as my life, and I’m excited to see what God will do in these men’s lives. Please pray for our group as they begin this journey together.

Growing Together


Our Living Water Life Group at Mosaic continues to be one of God’s sweetest gifts to us. Sharing meals, studying Scripture, praying together, and walking through life reminds us that following Jesus was never meant to be a solo journey.

I'm also deeply grateful for what God is doing among the leadership at Mosaic. Our team has grown in number, trust, and unity this year, and it has been a joy to shepherd our little flock alongside these faithful people.

Since the convention, I’ve been invited to serve in Member Relations for Network220. My role is to help strengthen communication among member organizations and encourage greater collaboration across the network. One of the things I’ve enjoyed most is discovering the many different ways God is using these ministries to help people experience Christ as their life. It’s been a real pleasure getting to know colleagues from around the world who share that same passion. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside them.

Celebrating Friendship


One of the highlights of our summer was traveling to Florida to celebrate our dear friend Lisa Fowler's 60th birthday.


We've shared many years of friendship and ministry together, and it was a joy to celebrate this milestone with Lisa while also spending time with Bethany, her husband, and their three wonderful daughters. Friendships like these remind us of God's faithfulness through every season of life.

“Through counseling, I’m learning to understand God’s unconditional love more deeply. I’m learning to leave shame and guilt at His feet, forgive myself as He has forgiven me, and walk in His freedom.”

— A counseling client

A Note from Garvisa

I have been enjoying an incredible summer filled with walks, deer sightings, good books, a few home projects, and wonderful friends.

I return to work on August 7 as we begin preparing for our precious students. I’m looking forward to another year of learning, growing with, and loving the students God will entrust to my care.


This weekend John and I will travel to North Carolina to spend time with my sister, Sylvia, who has begun treatment for Stage 3 cervical cancer. With her permission, I’m sharing this update, and she wants to thank you for your prayers. She faces several weeks of radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy before the next phase of treatment.


Thank you for supporting John and me through your prayers, financial gifts, and encouraging words. Every expression of your love strengthens us more than you know, and we are deeply grateful.

How You Can Pray

• Praise God for John’s renewed health and significant weight loss over the past several months.
• Pray for Sylvia, her family, and ours as we walk this journey together.
• Pray for Garvisa, her students and colleagues as they begin a new school year.
• Pray for those beginning True Life Training this fall.
• Pray for wisdom as we steward the opportunities God brings our way.
• Pray for our leadership team and church family at Mosaic.
• Pray for John as he serves on the upcoming Women’s Tres Dias weekend (Oct. 1–4).

Support Update

God has been incredibly faithful in providing for our ministry through the generosity of many friends over the years.


Recently, several longtime ministry partners have reached retirement and needed to reduce or conclude their financial support. We are deeply grateful for their years of faithful investment in what God has been doing through Grace Ministries.


As we look ahead, we're asking the Lord to provide $500 in additional monthly support to help close that gap. If God leads you to become part of that answer—or to increase your current partnership—we would be deeply grateful. Most of all, thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and faithful friendship.

Thank you for helping us walk alongside people as they discover that Christ truly is their life.


Grateful for your friendship and prayers,


John & Garvisa