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IN THIS ISSUE: 2026 Summer Series: What’s Next? | You Make Every Day Father’s Day Why VBS Still Matters Today . . . and more!COMMUNICATIONS STAFF: COME SERVE WITH US! Interested in joining one of our Communications Volunteer teams? Visit shepherds.org/ministry-teams for details. COMMUNICATIONS VOLUNTEERS: Thanks to the many talented people who volunteer throughout the year. These include photographers, writers, chalk artists, and those that help with Bumper Crop. Kent Perigo Communications Director Susan Benner Communications Coordinator Anna Linehan Graphic Designer Nahal Chizari Videographer Katie Horton Lead Videographer Cheryl Coleman Strategic and External Communications 1 Letter from Pastor Davey 2-3 2026 Summer Series: What’s Next? 4-6 Bob and Barb Block: Serving the Church and the International Community 7-9 You Make Every Day Father’s Day! 10 College Ministry: Food Theology 11 Student Ministry: 2026 Summer Camp 12-14 A New Chapter in Student Ministry 15 Children’s Ministry: Why VBS Still Matters Today 16-18 Britt Davis: A Father’s Legacy of Faith and Service 19-21 The Shepherd’s Church Library Celebrates 25 Years of Ministry 22-23 Rod and Marketa Smith: Walking by Faith Without a Road Map 24-25 Upcoming EventsHats off to our Communications team for another beautiful, creative and informative magazine! I encourage you to take an additional copy and share it with friends who might be looking for a solid church home. Keep in mind that Connections Magazine is more than creative—it is critical to its mission of telling the “story” of what God is doing in, and through The Shepherd’s Church. It isn’t unusual for Marsha and me to drive past the church some evening and see a parking lot full of cars, prompting Marsha to ask, “What’s happening tonight?” And my answer is often, “I have no idea—who knows, it might be a special meeting to vote me out!” In all seriousness, I consider “not knowing” as thrilling evidence of so much activity, growth, community and outreach happening here—so much so that even this senior pastor can’t keep up with it all . . . which is why I read Connections Magazine from cover to cover. Inside this edition, you’ll find more evidence of spiritual fruit, outreach and growth—from suffering brothers and sisters who are trusting the Lord as they walk through difficult valleys to faithful volunteers who’ve served our church family for years, largely behind the scenes. Their stories will inspire, challenge and encourage you to keep trusting, waiting, and walking with the Lord. As you read, rejoice with me over the goodness of God displayed through our church family, and rest assured that cars in the parking lot represent growth and grace from our Chief Shepherd . . . and He happens to know everything that’s taking place. Pressing on with joy, Beloved, 1with DTS began in 1985 when he was hired as a professor in the Bible Exposition department. Twelve years later, in 1997, he was appointed vice president for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean. Two years later, he was named provost, and in 2001 became the seminary’s fifth president. After 19 years as president, he transitioned to the role of chancellor in July 2020. Dr. Bailey and his wife Barby have been married for over 50 years. JULY 12 JONATHAN FALWELL MESSAGE TOPIC: In Light of What’s Next, What Now? JONATHAN FALWELL is senior pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church (TRBC) and Chancellor of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. He has served as senior pastor since June of 2007. He was called as pastor after his father, Rev. Jerry Falwell (founding pastor of TRBC, in 1956) passed away in May of 2007. Jonathan has been T his summer, we invite you to explore What’s Next? — a series created to deepen your understanding of the future God has revealed in Scripture. Guided by respected theologians and Bible teachers, we’ll walk through key prophetic events—such as the rapture, the return of Christ, and His coming reign—and reflect on what they mean for our lives today. And in a world that often feels unstable and unpredictable, this series will draw us back to the steady truth of God’s Word and the hope His promises offer right now. JULY 5 MARK BAILEY MESSAGE TOPIC: Why Is the Rapture Even Necessary? MARK BAILEY, chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), has a passion for theological education and pastoral ministry. His 40 plus years 2in full-time ministry since 1994. He has been married to Shari since 1992 and they have four children, two granddaughters and four grandsons. JULY 19 JIM JEFFERY MESSAGE TOPIC: Where Is the Church in Revelation? JIM JEFFERY is the Pastor of Biblical Research and Mentoring at Chapel Pointe in Hudsonville, a dynamic and growing ministry in Grand Rapids, MI. His extensive service in ministry also includes pastoring churches for 51 years and serving as the president of Baptist Bible College & Seminary (now Clarks Summit University) for 14 years. In ministry leadership, Jim has enjoyed equipping leaders, biblical teaching, preaching and consulting with other churches and leaders to advance the cause of Christ. He and his wife Alberta “Bert” have been married for 53 years. JULY 26 MARK YARBROUGH MESSAGE TOPIC: Israel and the Story of Scripture MARK YARBROUGH serves as the sixth president of Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) and teaches in the Bible Exposition department. Along with his responsibilities of leading DTS, he travels extensively, leading tours and speaking at conferences. Dr. Yarbrough is also the author of several books and scholarly works (his latest book is titled The Rekindled Heart), speaker, and singer who loves connecting with people around the world. When he’s not teaching or traveling, you’ll find him fly fishing, hunting, or spending time with his family. He and his wife Jennifer have four grown children. AUGUST 2 DANNY AKIN MESSAGE TOPIC: The Return of the King (Jesus Is Coming Again) DANNY AKIN, who is known for being a champion for biblical exposition and expository preaching, will officially retire from serving 22 years as the president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary on July 3—although he will continue his role as professor of preaching and theology. Dr. Akin and his wife Charlotte have traveled to Sudan, Turkey, Middle East, Kenya, Asia, Central Asia, Thailand, India and Paraguay serving students and missionaries and helping share the gospel. Danny and Charlotte have been married for 48 years and have four sons who all currently serve in ministry. AUGUST 9 PHILIP DE COURCY MESSAGE TOPIC: The New You PHILIP DE COURCY is the teacher on Know The Truth, a daily radio program whose passion is to share the gospel through the exposition of God’s Word. Pastor Philip’s messages originate from his weekly Bible teaching at Kindred Community Church, in Anaheim Hills, California, where he has pastored since 2006. Philip came to the United States in 1994 after pastoring in Northern Ireland. He is a graduate of the Irish Baptist College and The Master’s Seminary. He and his wife June were married in Scotland, kilt and all, in 1987, and they have three grown daughters. AUGUST 16 JOHN H. MUNRO MESSAGE TOPIC: Heaven: The Eternal State of the Believer JOHN H. MUNRO serves as senior pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, where he also hosts a daily radio program, The Verdict, which is heard in more than 25 states and the United Kingdom. Born and raised in Scotland, John graduated from the University of Edinburgh and practiced law in Scotland before God called him to full-time ministry. Since graduating from Dallas Theological Seminary, John has dedicated his life to pastoral ministry, preaching and teaching the Word of God. He is married to Gudny. Mark Your Calendars Today! shepherds.org/summer-series 3I n the summer of 2002, Bob and Barb Block moved to North Carolina from Nebraska with their three children and began attending The Shepherd’s Church. Shortly thereafter, they met Pastor Davey at a Wake Christian Academy parents’ event, where he encouraged them to attend the Greenhouse membership class that fall. Through that class, the Blocks formed friendships with many who would become their closest friends and fellow laborers in ministry. These relationships laid the foundation for a life of service to both the church and the community. As their involvement deepened, the couple graduated from Greenhouse, but Bob decided to stay and help behind the scenes. Over the past 22 years, Greenhouse has provided various opportunities for Bob to be involved in the life of a large church. He has worn many hats—as a greeter, photographer, and AVL technician, running PowerPoint and microphones. Greenhouse connections also led Bob to Evangelism Explosion, where he first got involved as a student and then as a leader. Beyond Bob’s individual roles, the couple has also invested their gifts in many areas of church life. While Bob has served through Greenhouse and has been a deacon since 2008, Barb has faithfully used her musical gifts in the church orchestra since their early days, playing cello and developing meaningful relationships with fellow musicians. She notes that playing in the By Beth McKay, Contributing Writer 4orchestra has opened doors for worship, outreach and incredible memories, including the Service of Shadows, the Music Ministry trip to Germany for the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, and the opportunity to play with Keith and Kristyn Getty early in their ministry. Orchestra Director Jon Milton says, “Barb has been a faithful member of the orchestra, and her willingness to use her time and her talents wherever she can is a testament to the Christian life well lived. She would never describe herself as a virtuoso soloist or want to be the center of attention, but every week she adds to our corporate worship. Her humility and servant’s heart are an example to all of us.” of approximately 45 students, which gathers both internationals and Americans for Bible study, fellowship, and activities throughout the year. The Blocks also serve as leaders in our English as a Second Language (ESL) ministry on Fridays—teaching classes and building relationships with the students and their families. They have even gone on to lead one-on-one Bible studies outside of class with some students and their extended families. For many years, Bob and Barb participated in a church supper club that met monthly to foster connection among fellow believers. Recently, they decided to step away from this structured group to devote more time to fellowship dinners, coffees, and Bible studies with internationals they met through ESL and Global Connect. An example of this commitment is a Monday night Bible study that grew out of Global Connect, where seekers and believers—many from China—meet to learn more about the Bible and encourage one another in community. The Blocks also include individuals and families from their ministry groups in their family holiday celebrations, welcoming those seeking to understand Christianity or new believers seeking connection and instruction. These activities foster relationships that many ESL students describe as family-like. In addition to her musical involvement, Barb has also invested in women’s discipleship through several Bible studies over the years, including a moms’ prayer ministry, Precepts, Women of Wisdom (WOW), and a homeschool moms’ study. She values meeting other women and sharing with them insights and encouragement from God’s Word. Their ministry extends even further, as Bob and Barb share a heart for internationals. They are active members of the Global Connect ABF, a class 5The Blocks would love for you to serve alongside them. To learn more about helping with ESL this fall, email esl@shepherds.org; to help with Greenhouse, contact Beth Larson at blarson@shepherds.org; and to learn more about our orchestra, contact Jon Milton at jmilton@shepherds.org. This passion has deep roots for Barb, whose heart for international students was shaped early in life. Her father served in the Air Force, and their family lived in several overseas posts where they made friends with people from many nationalities. When he retired to Nebraska, the family joined the mayor’s committee for international fellowships and regularly hosted guests in that role. They also welcomed two exchange students from China into their home. Years later, inspired by these experiences, Barb and Bob decided to pursue international adoption from China and welcomed their third child into their family. Most recently, Barb shared her testimony at a Global Connect social event. Her hope is to direct that group toward the peace promised to believers in Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Bob adds that they have met many through ministry who thought they were believers but discovered they are not and are still seeking a relationship with Jesus. The Blocks want to point others to saving faith in Christ. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1) Others have noticed their impact as well. Larry Hoxie, director of Shepherds’ ESL ministry, is extremely grateful for the Blocks and says, “Barb and Bob epitomize a servant’s heart. They have been involved with ESL for the past 11 years, teaching, tutoring, and showing hospitality by inviting students into their home during the holidays. ESL exists as an outreach to the international community, and Barb and Bob play an integral part in that outreach.” Ultimately, through more than two decades of service, Bob and Barb Block have demonstrated unwavering devotion to the Lord, to His church, and to the internationals He has placed in their path. Whether teaching ESL classes, opening their home, or guiding others through Scripture, they model a steady, joyful faithfulness that reflects the heart of Christ. Their desire is simple and steadfast: that those they meet would come to know the peace and saving grace of Jesus Christ. In every season, the Blocks continue to shine the light of the gospel— quietly, consistently, and with love. 6F rom the very moment I first held you in my arms, I knew I would never receive a greater blessing. You were God’s grace, power, and love, all wrapped up in the perfect little baby sleeping peacefully before me. I wondered how, despite all my transgressions, God could still bless me so abundantly! You Made Us a Family! We named you Jordin Elijah—Jordin, meaning “to flow,” and Elijah, “from God.” And you certainly flowed from God right into your mother’s womb and then into our lives. You made us a family! Your mommy was a trooper; she went through so much to bring you into this world as you were somewhat reluctant to leave the comfort A Letter to My Mooshu Who’s Taught Me How to Be a Better Man By Christopher Kolman, Contributing Writer You Make Every Day Father’s Day! and protection she gave you—but you didn’t know that she would continue to provide those things and so much more once she held you in her arms. Learning from You Fatherhood didn’t come naturally to me the way motherhood did for your mom. I asked God to show me what to do, and He assured me I would have the very best teacher: you! From the start, we were a team. Somehow, you guided me. I just knew what you needed, what you wanted. You grew up so fast—walking, talking, and being a regular little kid doing regular little kid things . . . until things began to change. 7Next >