May 2013
Dear Friends,
The snow was flying while we were in South Dakota. Those of you on facebook hopefully saw the before and after pictures of one of two major storms we ha
d while in Rapid City. In spite of the weather, we had only one service canceled. Praise the Lord for the faithfulness of the church families. We were at Rapid Valley Faith Baptist Church first. Pastor Ralph Silcott has been faithfully serving the Lord there all these years. He was the pastor there when I pastored in Tulare, SD. We had a great time of fellowship with him and with his wife, Loma. God is blessing at Rapid Valley.
We then went to Bethel Baptist Church in Rapid City. Pastor and Mrs. Jones have faithfully served there many years. It was great to get to know this fine couple. We trust the Lord will work at Bethel in the coming days. They are in a low period right now. Those who have ministered in a church for a longer timeframe understand the highs and lows of church life. Please pray for Pastor Jones and Bethel Baptist Church. Pray for God to provide families and direction.
Despite record snowfall for the month of April in Rapid City, it was a great trip. Jeneen and I enjoyed being with the church families and the pastors of these two churches.
WHAT IS AHEAD –
As Jeneen and I prepare for ministry in South Africa, we are excited about what is ahead. But first, we want to thank those who helped make it possible for Jeneen to go. We praise the Lord for each of you and how God burdened hearts to help to fully meet this need.
Friday, the 10th of May, Jeneen will be speaking to the Ladies Group at Pocatello Baptist Church. She feels honored to be a part of the ministry to the ladies. We will come home on
Saturday.
We leave for South Africa on Tuesday the 14th. We plan to return home the 12th of June. It will be good to see many friends there and to meet new ones. We will be staying where we have been before in the town of Sedgefield. It is not too far from George and Knysna. We hope to be in a blessing in the churches and to the people. Please pray for us as we go. Pray for spiritual fruit as a result of our time there.
MEN’S BACKPACKING CAMPS –
Some have asked what is planned this year for the camps. As of right now, I only have one week long camp taken. There a
re other weeks available in July and in August. I have two friends in Washington State who have asked about doing a not too strenuous week. This is possible. We could camp down below at a campground and do day hikes as those who came were able. It works well as there are some lakes not too far from the trailheads where we could go. Of course, anyone looking for a challenge, I have a couple of long trek weeks I would love to do.
These times have been soul-refreshing for those involved. Let me know if you would like to try something like this. We do most of the trips in the Sawtooth Mountains of central Idaho. It is great to get together in God’s creation and fellowship around the fire or as in the places where fires are restricted, fellowship around an LED flashlight.
THANK YOU –
Thanks to all who pray for us. “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.” We want God to work. He produces fruit that remains. We simply want to be used of Him as He sees fit. Thank you for your part in God’s work in us and through us.
KEEPING IN TOUCH –
For those on Facebook, Jeneen and I are there too. We will often post things from where we are at the moment. If you have not friended us yet, please do.
If you have an email address that has changed or would like to receive our emails, please let us know at backpacker1@aol.com.
When we are in South Africa, we will have limited availability. Hopefully we will have some email access. We will see how it works as we are there.
Thanks to all who have corresponded with us recently. We want to keep in touch. It is not always possible the way we would like but thanks for your patience.
May God bless each of you. We pray for you and know you pray for us. Thanks again.
Your Friends in Christ,
Monte & Jeneen Leavell.
Monte Leavell 