How do you sum up nine years of ministry in one final article? This is the question that has been on my mind for the past month. I could easily say "WOW" and leave it at that because this journey has been nothing short of amazing. Thinking back to our beginnings at the YMCA and seeing where we are today, it's overwhelming to consider how many lives have been changed by the gospel and how many families have been touched by Jesus. By the time we conclude our service on July 14th, we'll have seen over 120 people saved and more than 150 baptized.
     I could talk about how perfectly God positioned South Lakes and how these past nine years have led us to this moment, especially with all the new neighborhoods growing around us. John 4:35 says, "the fields are white unto harvest," and no other verse better captures the future mission field of South Lakes.
     If I had more time, I could share countless stories of God's incredible work in the lives of families and individuals. I could tell you about the heartaches in the early days, the joy of walking in obedience, the partnerships we've formed with other church plants, and the impact we've had on John Glenn Elementary. These stories and so many more are precious to me.
     But when I think about summarizing nine years of ministry, one verse stands
out. This verse has been my guide since the beginning and has challenged me personally and as your pastor: "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit," (2 Corinthians 3:18). My prayer is that after these nine years, we all look more like Jesus than when we started.
     I love you, South Lakes Church. Being your pastor has been the greatest privilege of my life. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus and continue to become more
like Him every day.
     Pastor Joey

    ELC Summer School provides a nurturing environment centered around play-based learning, aiming to foster well-rounded development in children that will equip them to become well-rounded adults in the future. Our approach emphasizes the importance of play not just for cognitive and social development, but also for spiritual growth. We believe that through play, children learn how
to glorify God and develop a sense of connection with Him, turning to Him both in times of need and in times of praise.
     At ELC, we also prioritize preparing our students for the next steps in their
educational journey. For the older kids transitioning to school next year, we lay the groundwork by focusing on essential skills such as manners and social interactions. This early preparation ensures they are well-equipped to make friends and navigate their school day confidently. We also help children understand the routine of being dropped off and picked up by their parents, fostering independence while reassuring them of their safety and support throughout the day.
     As a part of our commitment to engagement and community, we invite
you to join us for SL Kids’ Story Time on July 24th starting promptly at 10 am and
concluding at 11 am. These storytelling sessions are not only fun and educational
but also strengthen the bond between families and our learning community.

This June we had a blast at SL Student’s Camp! Some of our activities we got to do were serving and learning about the Jesus House ministry, picnicking in Scissortail Park, having fun in the sun at OKC Riversport and eating smores around the fire, but the most special moments happened when we got to sit around the room to worship and talk about God’s word. Over the course of three days we looked at what worldly things filled our lives and how we could replace it with the things of God by practicing the disciplines of meditating on God and His word, praying through scripture, and confessing sin to one another. I am so thankful to have been a part of the students being radically devoted to God,
relentlessly committed to true community, and remarkably passionate for the lost.

     At the end of May four of us went for a mission trip to Jerez, Mexico. While there we helped to clear land and grow the vineyard they are working on. The vineyard will be used to give children in Jerez another option for income and a path to hopefully stay out of cartel  influence. It was inspiring to see the  heart of everyone we met both in the church and Jonathan's family at the property impacting those around them with God's light. We are called to help those around us, and there really was no better example than the groups we got to meet in Jerez. 

      This summer, SL Kids had a blast at two incredible events: Cross Timbers Summer Camp and our One-Day Vacation Bible School (VBS). These events were filled with fun, learning, and spiritual growth!
     First, let's talk about the Cross Timbers Summer Camp. This fantastic camp brought together 12 kids and 5 dedicated sponsors for an unforgettable experience. The kids enjoyed a variety of activities, from exciting outdoor games to meaningful worship sessions. The highlight of the camp was witnessing 3 kids accept Jesus as the boss of their lives, marking a life-changing moment for them. Our sponsors played a crucial role in guiding and supporting the kids throughout the camp, making it a truly memorable time for everyone.
     Next up was our One-Day VBS, a discipleship intensive for our kids. The theme for the day was "I am a Masterpiece," where kids learned that each of them is uniquely and wonderfully made by God. We explored this beautiful truth through the story of the New Testament, complete with engaging hand motions that brought the story to life. The kids had a great time participating in interactive lessons, crafts, and an artist who drew caricatures of each child that reinforced the message of God's love and purpose for each of us.
     Both events provided amazing opportunities for our kids to grow in their faith, make new friends, and have loads of fun. At SL Kids, we're dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that help our children understand and embrace God's love. We can't wait for more adventures next summer!