Dedie Authement NAMB Summer Missionary
"You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."
2 Corinthians 3:2-3
This verse has stuck out to me this whole summer. Coming to Copperopolis was not only a last minute thing, but it turned out to be an experience that I never expected and one I will never forget! The most impactful thing for me while serving here was the people here and the relationships we built with them. I had never met a church family so diverse but unified, and this church just took me and my team mates in like it was nothing. Providing for us, and always willing to share and do whatever they can to make us feel at home. When I first arrived I didn’t expect to connect with so many people. From doing VBS, youth camp, organizing the youth group activities, college group, Celebrate Recovery, Life Hurts God Heals, and different church activities, I have gotten to know the adults, teens, and kids of Copper, and they have left a HUGE impact on my life. They have become my family! That’s why 2 Cor. 3:2-3 has stuck out in my head this summer. They have left such an impact on me, and all their lives, their stories, are staying with me, and now when I go home to Sulphur, Louisiana I will be able to share their stories. It’s amazing how what people are doing in Copperopolis, CA will affect people in Sulphur, Louisiana.
I have grown so much spiritually this summer. Being surrounded by strong Christian team mates, the pastor and his family, and the whole church, has just lifted me up so much. God has really opened my eyes to the bigger picture. It’s not always rainbows and butterflies, sometimes we come to times were God just wants us to seek him.
Throughout this summer we were constantly busy, but a good busy. We enjoyed every minute of work we had. Outside of the adult, teen, and children ministries, we also did prayer walking throughout the community, and did door to door. It was hot, but an awesome experience!
This summer has just stirred the passion in me for Christ even more. I am so grateful and thankful for this experience, and I couldn’t see myself doing anything differently this summer. I now have a family and a home in Copper, and I have created friendships that will last a lifetime! I love this Church family and the people of Copper, and I hope that one day I can return to visit.
Dedie Authement, Sulpher LA