Leavell Update – September 1, 2017
God’s creation is amazing. We found a quote from Chris or one he enjoyed in his writings. “To be a worshipper of an unfathomable God is to continually be amazed.” Watching the eclipse and spending time in the mountains for backpacking, I was again amazed at God’s power and majesty. The eclipse was especially impressive to me. It had a 3D affect when the sun was completely eclipsed by the moon. For me, it was very meaningful as I experienced God’s handiwork.
Summer Ministry –
Jeneen and I enjoyed our time with Notus First Baptist Church in Notus ID. Missionary Sparky Clancy is now helping while he can as they seek a pastor. Please pray for them in their search. In July, I went to First Baptist Church in Upton WY for a Sunday and then on to Black Hills Baptist Camp for senior camp. The Lord gave many decisions among the campers and staff during the week.
Backpacking Camp started the next week. We had three father-son pairs on the first trip to the mountains. What a great trip. I always enjoy the group from Arizona along with the men from Idaho. The next week was our home church camp. It was a good week. Then we did a short hiking camp. It was shorter than planned but 15 miles in one day with lots of off trail hiking. It took a lot out of us but was fun.
Last Sunday, I spoke at our home church, Fellowship Baptist Church in Nampa ID. It is always great to be home. We enjoy our home church family very much.
Future Meetings –
On the 6th of September, I will be speaking at Bethany Bible Baptist Church in Tulare, SD. It will be good to see the folks there as this is the first church I had the privilege to pastor. From there, I will be going to Sioux City IA for a Sunday through Friday meeting at Good News Baptist Church where John Woodford is the pastor. The next week, I will be in Pella IA at Berean Baptist Church where Bruce Thompson is pastor. We have been at this church several times in the past years. It will be good to see everyone. I look forward to good meetings.
While I am in Iowa, I will be speaking in chapel at Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny on the 19th. I graduated many years ago from Denver Baptist Bible College. My school merged with Faith Baptist in 1986. I look forward to being at Faith. I hope to see several students I know.
I come home the 22nd of September. Our home church is hosting the Northwest Baptist Missions Annual Conference on September 26th and 27th. Last year, I had the privilege of being the speaking. This year, Dr. Larry Oats is the speaker. Jeneen and I plan on attending. If you are able, I would like to encourage you to try to make it to this conference. It should be a good week.
When the conference is over, I will be flying to South Africa for the month of October. I leave September 28th and am scheduled to arrive home November 1st. I look forward to working with a couple of different missionaries. Missionary Lee Peterson has set up a busy schedule for me. This will be my fourth trip to South Africa. It will be nice to see the many friends we have there.
In November, we plan on spending Thanksgiving with our son Joe and his family. We have meetings in AZ right afterward. We do have a week or two open before Thanksgiving for AZ or CA. There is a possible meeting in CA already.
Family News –
Many know about Jeneen’s mom taking a fall and fracturing the top vertebrae in her neck. It has kept Jeneen close to home. She will not be travelling with me in September or October. She is staying home to care for her mom. Thanks for praying. We hope her mom will recover so Jeneen can go in November. We certainly enjoy ministering together. Please keep praying for her mom.
We are both doing ok in our health. Jeneen had a few issues in last few months but is doing better. The backpacking and summer work have kept me in pretty good condition. We continue to serve the Lord wherever He leads us.
Prayer Requests –
• For safety in travel.
• For God’s working in the meetings and ministry.
• For Jeneen and her mom.
• For setting up the 2018 schedule.
Thank You –
Thank you for your care and concern for us. Your prayers and support are such an encouragement.
Monte Leavell 