Prayer Letter

July 2007

Dear Prayer Partners,

Well, we are officially in full blast of the summer season. We have said goodbye to a few graduates and hello to a bunch of students moving up another year. There is a whole lot of transition going on. Speaking of transition, on July 28th I will be starting a brand new life in marriage with the most beautiful and wonderful person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing on this planet. Her name is Rachelle Marie Gilles; the name may sound familiar because she is ministry staff for LIYFC out in Huntington. She runs the program Friday Night Live and has been responsible for the enrichment and spiritual guidance of many youth in that community. I could not be happier right now.

I know a bunch of my letters have been filled with stories, updates and pleas for help, but this letter in particular I would like to just set aside some time and space to say thanks to all of you who have partnered with me and the rest of the staff this past school year. You keep us doing what we’re doing. Without you loving us and pouring into us we would not be able to pour our lives into these students. Whether you have helped through financial means, prayer or simply meeting with me to have some lunch, it is all more than appreciated.

Thank you to Pastor Fox, for being a true to life shepherd to his flock. You have shown me how to model a ministry with integrity and to never ignore God’s calling to a mission field. To Pastor Ron Francis, thank you for extending yourself to break bread with an inexperienced upstart. Thank you Pastor Snuggs, for giving me the trial by fire of my first Sunday sermon. To Brother Al, Sister Sheila, Albee, Brother Johnny, Brother Jerry, Sister Elaine, Sarai and Eric thanks for being some of the best youth volunteers on the Island.

To Mrs. Rose, the Miss Hutzler and all of West Sayville Christian School, thank you for raising some of most inspired young leaders I have ever met. Thank you for being a great friend to YFC. To Mr. Lecci, Ms. Goodfellow, Mrs. Simonelli, Mrs. Fefer, and all of the teachers involved with helping these students bring God back to the schools in Long Island.

To the congregation of Islip Trinity Lutheran and New Life Community Church, thank you for understanding the mission of YFC and working alongside us. To Lighthouse Tabernacle, Bay Shore Assemblies of God and Troopers for Christ, the youth of your churches are changing the world around them as we speak. Thank you for giving me the chance to work with them.

To Colleen, Carrie, Dayna, Delia, Joe, Carissa, Dan, Cassie, Chris, David J., Katie, Amanda, Bethany, Kerri, Emily, Danielle, Candace, David D., Taylor, Karina, Ariel, Kelly, Amar, Alex, Aryon, and Jaylene among others. Working with you guys is what gets me up in the morning to keep doing what I do. I’m excited about what the next school year is going to bring.

Thank God for having all of our paths cross in one way or another. Thank you all for being present through this time of transition. I am grateful having people like you to work with.

A new life and family in Him,

Mark Ayala
    Islip Ministry Staff