Ministry Update – October 2026

                                                                                    October 2026

Dear Friends,

            We make plans but we must always be open to the Lords changing them at any moment.  God has taught Jeneen and me to be flexible, especially in our schedules.  We had planned a trip to the Midwest at the beginning of Fall.  Due to circumstances, we were unable to make the trip.  We hope to do it in the future.

            The Men’s Backpacking Camp went well, and I did better on the hiking this year. The fishing was good too.  It was great to be able to see God’s creation and fellowship with the men.

            In the first part of August, our senior pastor, Jeff Estes resigned at our home church, Fellowship Baptist Church in Nampa, ID.  Because of this and other circumstances, we did not go to the Midwest as we planned.  I have added responsibilities as we help our church through the process of a pastor leaving and seeking another.  Through it all, God has been working greatly.  We have a person in the candidacy process currently.  He is Pastor Phill Kliewer, who was our associate pastor for six years.  Please pray that the Lord will work throughout the process.  The Kliewers have been with us since the first part of September, enabling the church family to really get to know them.  We are voting to call him on the evening of the 18th of this month.

            In November, Jeneen and I travel to Arizona for three weeks.  We have opportunities for ministry while we are there.  I will be at IBCS and doing a men’s meeting through another church too.  Looking forward to seeing friends and family.  In December, Jeneen and I will be going on a trip with her sister and brother-in-law.  We will be home on the 20th.  We are looking forward to 2027 already.  Things are coming together for our schedule and plans.  Please keep praying for us as we do what the Lord puts in front of us. 

Prayer requests –

  • Please pray for Fellowship Baptist Church as we vote for a new pastor.
  • Please pray for churches seeking pastors.
  • Please pray for God’s working in and through us.
  • Please pray for health as we continue to do what the Lord sets before us.

Jeneen and I have been busy.  We had a couple of weeks where I was putting in 12 to 14 hours every day.  It is getting better now.  We look forward to what the Lord has ahead.  Thanks for praying.

Ministry Update – Summer 2026

                                                                                    July 2026

Dear Friends,

            Here we are in the middle of the summer, 100-degree weather, and busy times.  The Lord has given many opportunities for ministry.  In April, Jeneen and I went to Thayne WY to be at Friendship Baptist Church for meetings.  Pastor Daniel Patrick is in his first year of ministry at the church.  The Lord is working greatly.  It was a joy to be with the church family.  In May, we went to AZ for our grandson’s graduation and to be at Calvary Baptist Church in Kingman.  This church has faithfully supported us for years.  We were able to share the ministry God has called us to and the changes in store for the future.  There were several new people in the church.  Pastor Rob and Jill Kelley are doing a good work.  June, we were in CO.  Pastor Phill Kliewer is seeking to start a church in or near Grand Junction.  We spent some good fellowship time with them.

This month we will be doing the Men’s Backpacking Camp.  I have said for years, I do not know how many more years I will be able to do the trips.  The men certainly help me out and it is greatly appreciated.  Glad to be able to fellowship with the men in God’s creation. 

In August, Jeneen plan to travel to the Midwest.  We look forward to seeing many friends and I will be speaking at two different churches.  One is Bethany Bible Baptist Church in Tulare SD.  This was the church we ministered in 1983 to 1990.  It will be wonderful to see Pastor Todd Bower and the church family.  We will also be in Minnesota at Lakeland Baptist Church where Caleb Lobb is pastor.  We have many friends in that area and look forward to seeing them.  In September we will be at Liberty Baptist Church in Grand Junction CO where Eric Turner is the pastor.

Prayer requests –

  • Please pray for churches without pastors.
  • Please pray for our travel in the months ahead.
  • Please pray for God’s working in and through us.
  • Please pray for health as we continue to do what the Lord sets before us.

May God work greatly.  Jeneen and I are busy in our home church too.  We look forward to what the Lord has ahead for us throughout the rest of the summer and into the fall.  Thanks for praying.

Spring Update 2026

                                                                                    April 2026

Dear Friends,

            God has given fruit in the past few months.  We have seen people going on in discipleship, churches encouraged as the Lord has been working, and we have been busy with whatever the Lord sets before us.  This year, we plan to report to supporting churches and share God’s working and leading.  We are trying to put together a schedule for that.  God has been good to us.

            So far this year, I have been able to go to the Refresh Conference at Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny IA.  I saw friends and made new ones.  It was a beneficial time.  I had the privilege to also go to the board meeting of the FBFI in AZ with Pastor Estes and Pastor Stringfellow from our home church.  I was pleasantly surprised to see so many people that I have known over the years.  The meetings were a blessing.  I look forward to seeing how God grows the FBFI fellowship.  There are good things happening in it that will be a blessing to pastors and churches.

            Recently, I was able to go to WA for weekend to be at Chewelah Baptist Church in Chewelah.  On the way up and back, I was able to meet with pastors and a friend.  The new pastor at Chewelah is Chris Robertson.  God is working through him and his wife, Elizabeth.  I am excited for them and the church.  Good things are happening.

            This month, we will be in Thayne WY at Friendship Baptist Church where Dan Patrick is the pastor.  We will be there for Sunday through Wednesday night meetings.  Pastor Patrick is new to the work there as of the first of April.  Pastor Jay Sprecher was able to step down and is still doing ministry through NWBM.  Jeneen and I look forward to meeting with the new pastor and wife to get to know each other better.  We are excited for the church as they take this step of faith.  We look forward to seeing what God is doing.  In May, we plan to go to AZ but have not finalized that trip yet. 

Prayer requests –

  • Please pray for churches without pastors.
  • Please pray for a couple of churches dealing with serious issues. 
  • Please pray for God’s working in the meetings and work.
  • Please pray for Jeneen and me as we set up schedule for the rest of the year.
  • Please pray for health as we continue to do what the Lord sets before us.

May God work greatly.  Jeneen and I are busy in our home church too.  We look forward to what the Lord has ahead for us throughout the summer.  Thanks for praying.

Backpackers – We are planning a trip for July 27th through the 31st.

Ministry Update – Fall 2025

Dear Friends

Do you ever have strong ideas and desires to get more done?  There are so many opportunities for ministry and things we could do if God would bring it together.  I was taught many years ago that a need does not necessitate a call.  In other words, just because there is a need and you could do it, does not mean that the Lord would have you fill that need.  One part of our ministry has been to help hurting churches, pastors and people.  At this time, there seems to be so many.  Like you, we wish we could do more.  One burden is the many churches seeking pastors; some are listed here.  Please pray.

  • Calvary Baptist Church in Bremerton WA is seeking a pastor.
  • Big Horn Independent Baptist Church in Worland WY is seeking a pastor.
  • First Baptist Church in Dillon MT is seeking a pastor.
  • Wapiti Valley Church, outside of Cody WY is seeking a pastor.
  • Grace Baptist Church in Randolph UT is seeking a pastor.

Here are some special health needs:  please pray.

  • Rebekah, wife of Pastor Aron Schrepfer at Pioneer Peak Baptist Church in the Palmer AK area has terminal cancer.  Please pray for God’s comfort and grace.
  • Pastor Jonathon Edwards had a serious accident.  He is in recovery from losing his leg below the knee and other injuries.  Please pray for recovery.
  • A pastor with Parkinson’s disease is trying to navigate the effects while continuing ministry.
  • Many pastors near or past retirement age are dealing with age related physical issues, while seeking someone to take over the leadership and care of the churches where they pastor.

Jeneen and I have been busy in ministry as God leads.  We recently had meetings in WY and MT along with some Sunday fill-in in churches.  In November, Jeneen and I will go to WY to be at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Pinedale, where Chris Best is Pastor.  We will also be there in January.  When home, we are busy at our church, teaching, staff meetings, and Bible studies.  Every trip this fall was filled with the beauty of God’s creation, especially so this year.  Thank you for your prayers and care for us as we continue to do what God sets before us. 

June 2025 Update

                                                                                    June 2025

Dear Friends,

            Jeneen has been through a lot in the past few months.  Thank you for your prayers for her and the surgeries she recently had.  In March, her gallbladder was successfully removed and in May she had a knee replacement.  I have been playing nurse along with the ministry that the Lord places before us.  Jeneen’s digestive health has improved since the removal of her gallbladder.  Her knee replacement has gone well.  She has a lot of pain but that is normal for such a procedure.  She faithfully does her therapy and exercises.  They say her pain levels will go down in the future.  Please continue to pray for her full recovery.

Ministry –

            In April, Shelley Baptist Church in Shelley Idaho invited me to do a family conference.  It was a blessing to be with the church family.  God is working at the church.  Pastor Doug Sondergaard and his wife Bethany are doing well in ministry.  Please pray the church there.  May was busy with Jeneen’s recovery and ministry in our home church.  I have been teaching the adult Sunday school.  I have one more Sunday.  In July, I will be doing camp in WA with Chewelah Baptist Church and ministering there on a Sunday.  We have not personally met the new pastor, Chris Robertson, but we have talked several times on the phone.  We also have a couple of meetings in the fall. 

Men’s Backpacking Camp –

            The 28th of July will start our Men’s Backpacking Camp.  We have a good group coming this year.  With a new hip, I am looking forward to time in the mountains.  As we have often said, to be with men who love the Lord and to be in His creation is “soul refreshing.” 

Special Requests –

  • Please pray for Jeneen and for her recovery.
  • Please pray for our schedule.  We had planned to go east for a large trip but are waiting to see how Jeneen does in recovery.
  • Please pray for decisions about future ministry opportunities.

Thank you all for your prayers and support.  God has been working.  I also look forward to other ministry in the churches that we have not included in this letter.  May God bless as we all walk with Him. 

March 2025 Update

Dear Friends,

            The first two months of 2025 have flown by.  They say that when you get older, time goes faster.  Jeneen and I must be in that stage of life.  We are also in the phase of life where the body shows signs of aging.  Jeneen is having gallbladder surgery on the 19th and also has an appointment with the surgeon’s office for a knee replacement on the 10th.  Please pray as we deal with some medical issues.

Ministry –

            We continue to do what the Lord sets before us.  I have been in contact with a couple of churches that do not have pastors, along with a couple of pastors seeking the Lord’s direction.  The Lord has to work in the hearts of people to put things together.  All I can do is introduce one to the other.  We rejoice when we see God’s working to bring churches and pastors together.  As I am writing this letter, I am talking with some people about this very subject.

            This coming summer, I will be doing meetings for a camp in WA.  We hope to do at least one man’s backpacking retreat.  We are working toward heading out to the Midwest in the early fall.  We also want to report to many of our supporting churches.

            When not on the road, we are very active in our home church, Fellowship Baptist Church in Nampa, ID.  Our website is fbcidaho.org.  God is working greatly in our church.  We are helping train men for ministry, doing lots of discipleship, and teaching.  Whether on the road or at home, we are busy in the work of the Lord.

Books –

            I have not mentioned the two books I wrote lately.  “Steadfast and Stable” and “Remaining Steadfast and Stable” continue to be used.  People share how God has used the studies to encourage, grow and challenge them.  Once in a while I hear of someone being saved while going through the first one, to the glory of God.  The value in the studies comes as they point people to the Word and the Lord.  They are available on Amazon and other sources.  Pray as I am working on writing another one.

            Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement.  We hope to see some of you this year.  We may see all of you as this could be the year of the rapture.

The Need for “God with Us”

“His name shall be called Immanuel, which means, God with us.”  What is the reason for the birth of Jesus?  What motivated God to do this?

The greatest reason for God coming to be born as a babe was His love for us.  “God so loved the world that he sent his son…”  God wants a relationship with us.  The problem is sin for all have sinned.  There is no perfect human being.  Wrong actions, reactions, or thoughts keep us from a relationship with God.  The core of the matter is that we are all sinners and the penalty for sin is eternal separation from God.

The sin penalty must be paid before we can have a relationship with God.  We, in our arrogance, desire to make ourselves good enough for God.  Mankind cannot pay the penalty for sin, no matter how many good and religious things we do.  The penalty for sin is eternal separation from God.  When a person dies without God’s salvation, they must suffer the judgment.  An eternity of suffering will never pay for sin.

Someone outside of mankind had to pay the price.  The penalty, being death must be paid.  Immanuel, God with us came, took upon Himself the likeness of man in order to pay the price for our sin.  God could not do it without becoming human.  God cannot die so Jesus humbled Himself and came, born of a woman, to die for sin.  Jesus came as the spotless Lamb of God to sacrifice His life for our sin.  He was born the Babe, a perfect human being while being fully God.  He is the God-Man.

Being the God-Man, qualifies Him to be an adequate Savior.  He needed to be human in order to die because God cannot die.  He needed to be God in order to make that death a satisfactory payment for sin.  Only a sinless person can pay the price for someone else’s sin.

Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.  He was buried.  He rose from the dead three days later according to the Scriptures.  This proves the penalty for sin was paid in full.  There is no more needed to satisfy the judgment against mankind.  His sacrifice is complete and sufficient.

Does this mean that all of mankind is saved?  No, because it requires each person to decide whether to accept or reject what Jesus has done for us.  It’s personal.  God has provided the means for us to be saved from the penalty of sin.  We must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. 

Jesus was born to save us from our sin.  God became the God-Man to pay the payment.  If you haven’t accepted Him as your Savior, you need to do so.  If you have, you have peace with God, no fear of condemnation, and can now experience a relationship with God the way He intends for you.  We can experience a life of meaning and purpose.  He provided everything needed for a relationship with Him.  Now, it’s our choice what we do with what He has freely offered and enabled.  Immanuel – “God with us.”

For Further Study – John 3:16-18; Romans 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:1-10; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Matthew 1:18-23; and so much more.

Prayer Letter – November 2024

Dear Friends,

            As Paul said in 1 Timothy 1:12, we thank God for putting us in the ministry.  In this season of Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is only appropriate that we take time to reflect on what God has done, is doing, and will do.  We are thankful for salvation, relationship, and the privilege of serving the Lord.  We now have thirty years in missionary evangelism.  Helping churches, pastors, and doing the work of the ministry is a wonderful way to spend our lives.  In a small way, Jeneen and I feel Paul’s sentiment.  We continually thank our Lord for working in and through us as He wills.

            There are several special things for us to remember from this Fall.  We were able to minister in Immanuel Baptist Church in Palmer AK.  The meetings were well attended and went well.  The church is going through a transition.  Pastor Ben Burtch is retiring the end of December.  They have a new pastor already.  Pastor Jake Henshaw grew up in the church and then went away to school.  The last two years, Pastor Henshaw and his wife have been serving in the church.  The church recently voted them in as their new pastor.  We are excited for the church as they continue in the work there and are praying for a smooth transition.

            I went to Dillon MT to speak at First Baptist Church.  They are looking for a pastor.  It was good to see everyone there.  Please pray for the church as they seek God’s will.  In the Cody WY area, there are three good, gospel preaching churches looking for pastors.  There are other churches looking for pastors.  Please pray that God will send more laborers into the fields for the harvest.  We are helping where we can.

            Our home church, Fellowship Baptist Church (fbcidaho.org), is actively involved in training future leaders in ministry.  When home, I have the opportunity to be very involved in that work too.  It is a joy to work with the interns called to full time ministry.

            Jeneen and I look forward to the New Year and what the Lord has for us.  We do not know what that all is but we already have a couple of things put together.  An early highlight will be going to the Refresh Conference at Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary in Ankeny Iowa the first week of February.  Thank you for your prayer for us and for the ministry God allows us to do and to be a part of throughout the years.  May God work greatly in and through all of us as we walk with Him.  Have a good Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

July 11, 2024 Update

Dear Friends,

            Today is Jeneen’s mom’s 95th birthday.  She is celebrating it in heaven.  In June, we were in South Lake Tahoe for a graveside service.  It was beautiful.  Her children were there along with some of their families.  There were several things special about the timing.  It was fifty years ago, during the exact week in June that I met Jeneen’s family.  I asked her dad for her hand in marriage during that week.  As we progress through this year, there are many fifty year ago remembrances.  Fifty years ago on August 24th Jeneen and I were married in South Lake Tahoe at Sierra Baptist Church with her dad officiating the wedding.  We will be in Boston on that day and plan to have a special evening together.  What a gift from God Jeneen is to me, as we celebrate 50 years together.  We have said many times throughout this year, “Fifty years ago today, we were…”

We continue to serve where God enables.  Some of the places we have been in the past few months are: 

  • Friendship Baptist Church in Thayne WY
  • First Baptist Church in Pinedale WY
  • Calvary Baptist Church in Kingman AZ
  • Olivet Baptist Church in Westwood KS
  • Shelley Baptist Church in Shelley ID
  • Family Camp at Camp Utibaca in UT

It is a privilege to serve with the fine believers and pastors in the churches and camps.  God has been working greatly in the churches.  We are thankful to be a small part.  We greatly enjoyed the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum while back east.

Looking ahead, Jeneen and I may be out of contact during our travels the next month or so.  We will be home the 26th of August.  We leave on the 18th of July.  During the fall, we hope to take trips to the Northwest and to Midwest.  We have a few things in the works but have room for more.  We will be in Alaska for a conference in October too.

BACKPACKING – yes, several have asked and we are planning a trip in September from the 9th through the 13th.  It will not be too strenuous as it is my first time since my hip replacement.  It should be a good time of fellowship and soul refreshment.  Let me know if you are interested.   

            We look forward to what the Lord has for us in the days ahead.  God is good.  Please pray for God to send forth laborers into the field.  Workers are needed throughout the world.  Thank you for your prayers on our behalf.  We continue to do whatever the Lord sets before us.  We are thankful for the privilege to serve our Lord alongside our fellow servants.  What a joy to be in the service of the King!

April 2024 Update

                                                                                    April 10, 2024

Dear Friends,

            You know our hearts concerning discipleship.  I’ve even written two books helping unbelievers to understand the gospel of Christ and believers to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ.  When we are home, we have been very active in discipleship through our home church.  This includes doing a men’s Bible study at the church, doing a home Bible study with some younger couples, and personal contacts with people.  We praise God for the increase as we plant and water, building upon the foundation of Jesus Christ.  Whether on the road or at home, our desire is for discipleship.

            In January, I had the privilege of being at Grace Baptist Church in Delta UT where Bob Oswald is the pastor.  God is working there and it has been exciting to see what the Lord is doing.  The meetings were very well attended.  A highlight in March was for Jeneen and me to go to MT to be at Valley Baptist Church in Eureka MT where Matt Schrepfer is the pastor.  They held a Sportsman’s Banquet with many unsaved in attendance.  God is working there.  People have recently been saved.  They will be building their church this summer as the Lord enables.  They have a good start on the building process. Financially, they could use more money in their building fund.  We pray the Lord will provide.  This mission work is thriving in Eureka.  Praise the Lord.

We look forward to a busy summer.

  • April 14 – Friendship Baptist Church in Thayne WY
  • April 21 – First Baptist Church in Pinedale WY
  • April 28 – Calvary Baptist Church in Kingman AZ
  • June 2 – Shelley Baptist Church in Shelley ID
  • July 4-6 – Family Camp at Camp Utibaca in UT

These are the things locked down already, with several other things still in the works.  We will be in AZ for a bit then heading to the southeastern part of the country.  We hope to see the Ark Encounter along with the Creation Museum.  We will also see some family and friends.  We want to be home for our granddaughter’s graduation the 23rd of May.  In June, we have a family gathering in South Lake Tahoe CA.  It is a graveside for Jeneen’s mom who passed away last August. 

            Thanks for praying for my mom.  She was back in the hospital less than a week after being released from rehab.  Then she went back to rehab and finally came home in February.  She has care in her home.  She is gaining strength and doing better.  Thanks for your prayers.  She is not recovered to where she desires to be. 

            We look forward to what the Lord has for us in the days ahead.  God is good.  Please pray for churches without pastors, Grace Baptist in Randolph UT and Faith Baptist in Burley ID specifically, along with others.  Thank you for your prayers on our behalf.  We pray for you that God will work greatly in and through you as you walk with Him.