February 2010
Memories of 2009 & The Start of
2010
2009 started
with my ministry in the Philippines. In
24 days, I spoke 54 times in 44 churches, in public schools, and in outdoor
school gatherings. Over 650 people made professions
of faith. Praise the Lord, faithful
pastors and lay workers are following up those decisions. Throughout the rest of the year, I spoke 146
times in 36 churches in revival meetings, Vacation Bible Schools, one day
outreaches, and camps. Praise the Lord,
God brought many to the saving knowledge of His Son and others made decisions
regarding baptism, church membership and Christian living.
Remember the
old-fashioned cash register which said, "cha-ching," after each
entry. In 2009, our cash register said,
"cha-ching," many times with unexpected repairs and other
expenses. In January, the water pump
froze and broke. In May, when the
throttle of the truck stuck at 100%, the cost of the towing and repair was over
$2,000. In August, we had to replace the
alternator and batteries of the truck.
In October, we replaced all the trailer tires. In December, Jane had a rash on her neck and
her neck was swollen. Praise the Lord
the rash was not shingles and the swelling was due to allergies. We are still waiting for the bills for the
tests.
Although we are
still paying for some of these bills, God has been providing for our needs
through our love offerings and through you, our faithful supporters. Seven families and thirteen churches regularly
support us. And in 2009, Faith Baptist Church in Cheyenne,
Wyoming and Heritage Baptist Church in
Portland, Oregon joined our group of supporters.
In 2009, we
ministered in 15 states from the southwest to the Midwest to the Northwest. In July and August, we were able to focus on
ministry in northwest Montana; and in December we focused on ministry in the
Kansas City area. This year we will
focus on Arizona from late January through early March. April through June, our ministry will
primarily target the Midwest. In July
through September, we will be serving in California. We are scheduled for meetings in Minnesota in
October and in November and December if it is God's plan, we will be scheduling
meetings in the East.
In January 2010
we served in Colorado and Arizona.
First, on January 3, I spoke at Faith Baptist Church in Fowler,
Colorado. Pastor Stephen Anderson and
his wife Joy came to Faith after studying at Faith Baptist Bible College and
Theological Seminary in Ankeny, Iowa. Please pray for them as they lead this
faithful congregation.
Next, we ministered at Rustic Hills in Colorado
Springs, Colorado. On our way to
Cheyenne for Christmas, our trailer sustained some road damage. [We don't know when, where, or what, but
along the back edge near the bumper, we had a large hole.] While in Colorado Springs, we were able to
have the hole repaired. Fortunately,
except for the deductible, the damage was covered by our insurance. We were able to stay with the Clarks while
the trailer was repaired.
On
January 13 - 30, we parked at Sahuaro Baptist Church where I spoke for the
Sunday services on the 17th. I was also
able to speak in Awana club. On the
24th, I spoke at Sonoran Desert Baptist Church, a church plant. Several times during those weeks, I was able
to go calling with Pastor Steve Carter.
Pray for Pastor Smith of Sahuaro and Pastor Carter of Sonoran Desert as
they seek to reach Tucson with the gospel.
On January
31, we ministered at Faith Baptist
Church in Glendale, Arizona. We count it a great joy to see this church
reaching out to the Hispanic community.
On Sunday mornings, they hold two services: one in Spanish, the other in
English. On Sunday night, the
congregation sings together in Spanish and English. Pastor Briningstool preaches while Pastor
Enoch translates. Wednesday night they
join together also. It was a special
encouragement to hear Pablo ask for prayer for wisdom when his co-workers have
spiritual questions.
Last
Sunday, I spoke at Valley Baptist Church in Winslow, Arizona. Please pray for missionaries John and Diane
Woods as they ministered alongside Miss Gerry to the Navajo and Hopi
people. Praise God this church has stood
as a consistent loving gospel witness for many years.
Thanks for your
faithful prayers and financial support
Prayer Requests
1. Revival in our hearts &
churches 1. Individuals
making decisions re:
2. Successful outreaches in AZ, UT, NM
3. Clear, bold speech
4. Finances: support, trailer loan
5. Schedule for Sept, Nov., and Dec. 2010
6. Wisdom as Jane writes new VBS
curriculum
Praise
Salvation, Baptism, and Church Membership
2. Opportunities to encourage pastors and congregations
3. New supporting churches
4. Answers re: Jane's sickness