Ministry Update – October 2019

Dear Friends,
Fall is my favorite time of the year. The air is clean, cool, and crisp. The trees and flowers are giving their last efforts of growth before going dormant or dying. The leaves are changing colors and falling to the ground. We enjoy the beauty of the mountains, the animals, and the lowering of the snow levels. This month, I will be in Alaska beholding the beauty of the vastness in the scenery. God’s revelation through creation is a wonder to behold. As our son Chris said, “To be a worshipper of an unfathomable God is to continually be amazed.”

Where we have been –
I spent three weeks as the camp speaker for the camps at Victory Ranch in Southern CA. During the weekends, I was able to speak in three different churches, one of them twice, Wilmington, Santa Monica, and Beaumont. The camp recently sent out a newsletter with statistics of the camps. They recorded 19 decisions for salvation and other decisions too. It was a blessing to be a part of the camp and work with the fine people there.

Backpacking Camp went well. The men who went were very experienced in the mountains making a special week. Also, their interest in spiritual things was a joy as we had many deep discussions. These camps are always soul refreshing. We were able to explore a basin with no trail that I have always wanted to see. The benefits of the camps far exceed the pains of physical exertion. As the years go by, I am not sure how long I will physically be able to do the camps the way we have been doing them. I am thankful for each trip and the memories of the mountain trails and fellowship with good men.

September plans changed as I did not go to Alaska for the church graduation. We heard it went well but the event was scaled down from the original plans. Jeneen and I were able to go to a youth retreat/ladies retreat held in WA being held at the same time on the same campground. I spoke for the youth and Jeneen attended the ladies retreat. It was a joy for both of us. From there, we went to Kent where we were a part of the Sunday services at Galilee Baptist Church. We were able to see Pastor Hicks and his wife when they stayed with us while on vacation. It was a blessing to be with the fine people of Galilee.

God has been working greatly in the meetings. Some blessings we see but others we hear about later. God is faithful and we must be faithful too.

What is ahead –
I am heading to Alaska for meetings. First I will be speaking at Higher Ground Baptist Camp for a men’s retreat. It will be nice to work with the director, Eric Locker. From there, I will be at Immanuel Baptist Church in Palmer from Sunday through Saturday. Saturday will be a men’s meeting where I will be speaking three times. It will be good to be with Pastor Burtch and the church family. From there, I will be going to Pioneer Peak Baptist Church in the Butte area of Palmer for a Sunday through Wednesday meeting. Pastor Aron Schrepfer has been having some physical issues. Please be in prayer for him. It will be nice to be in Alaska again.

We will be in First Baptist Church of Wilmington CA on the first Sunday of November. Please be in prayer for them as the church does not have a pastor. We are also going to be ministering in Calvary Baptist Church in Kingman AZ in the future. Please pray for them. Pastor Morris left as a result of some family medical issues, regrettably leaving the church family without a pastor. We really appreciate the people there and would love to see someone come and stay long term as their pastor.

We are scheduling 2020. The Lord is opening doors and we anticipate good things. Please be in prayer for us as we schedule. Our desire in ministry has always been to be where God wants us, when He wants us there, doing what He wants us to do.

Thank you all –
We appreciate you praying for us. God’s hand has been easily evidenced in the meetings and ministry. We often do not know what He is doing in us and through us but when we look back, it is easily seen that God is working. Praise the Lord.

Writing –
I have not been doing the blog for a while but I hope to take it up soon. I have been working on the next Bible study book. It is coming together and I am working with Peter in the editing of it. The more I work, the more excited I get about the outcome. I hope and pray God does great things with it. Please pray as we try to get this project finished in the coming months. I do enjoy writing but it is a huge undertaking to get things done.

May God be glorified in and through us all as we walk with Him. May we be found faithful. Thank you for your prayers.