July 2012 Update

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 
– Ephesians 2:4-7

Dear Friends and Supporters,

This month I had the privilege of taking the youth group from Indian Avenue Baptist Church to camp.  Before going to Sudan, I worked with the youth group off and on for about six years, so going to camp was a treat.  The camp these this year was “Identity” and focused not only on the lost students’ need to identify with Christ, but also on the Christian’s identity as a new creation in Christ.  This year each student was encouraged to consider his need for Christ, and then consider his role in the body of Christ.  On the last night of camp, the students were given blank puzzle pieces on which they wrote a way in which they could be part of their youth group, church and the overall body of Christ.  One of the boys in our group gave his life to Christ while at camp, and at least three others were challenged in various ways to live more surrendered and godly lives.

The month of July was a busy one for us.  Sometimes it is hard to find things to write about in these updates because support-raising is so much of the same thing.  This month we were blessed by a visit from Amy’s parents which was lots of fun.  I even surprised everyone (Amy and her parents) with a 4D Ultrasound, so we got to see our little Ezekiel’s face and watch him move around and play.  While we were watching he grabbed his toes and chewed his umbilical cord, we have a very active baby on the way!

            We have also been blessed this month with some very supportive churches.  For at least three weeks in a row we have left a church on Sunday morning saying “Wow, what a supportive group!” God is being very good to us as we are nearing our departure goal.  Currently we have about 87% of our monthly commitments started, and we are now working on our startup costs (of which we have about 10%).  Amy has been feeling a little better with the baby lately, she at least isn’t sick every single day anymore.  Here are some ways you can pray for us:

- Support: We’re about $600 short of our monthly goal and have about $45k to raise for the house construction.

- Amy: Safety for the baby, perseverance as she works to close out her caseload before the baby is born.

- Justin: Taking time out from working to take care of myself.  Also, preparations for a trip back to Sudan in December.

We would love to hear from you!  We try to at least call our supporters once every 3-4 months, but please email us any time!

Philippians 1:3,

Justin and Amy Culp

justinamyculp@gmail.com

www.culpsudan.blogspot.com