Dear Friends,
We are looking forward to this Christmas season. The Lord has been keeping us busy but now we are spending a few weeks close to home. It will be nice to be in our home church and with our family. While we are home, we will be catching up in our correspondence and getting ready for 2018.

Updates on where we have been – Since coming home from South Africa, we have been in Arizona for ministry. I had the privilege of speaking at Southeast Valley Bible Church where Joel Tetreau is pastor. It went well. After that, I was able to speak at International Baptist College in Chandler AZ. I had a good time with the students and with Dr. Endean. From there, I went to Kingman to speak at Calvary Baptist Church. Calvary is still looking for a pastor. Please be in prayer for them. After coming home, I did a discipleship seminar in our home church Friday evening and Saturday using my book, Steadfast and Stable. It went very well.

Update on the need in South Africa – The last I heard was that they were able to get the financing they needed for the building. They are finishing the necessary paperwork and details. We hope and pray there are no problems while moving ahead.

On the home front – Jeneen was able to go to Arizona for most of the time. Her mom has been having some good days and some bad days. It will be nice during the holidays that we will be able to see her. Jeneen’s health has been doing okay. I have been doing well.

What is ahead – We are looking forward to what the Lord has for 2018. There are some holes in our schedule but the Lord is starting to fill them. We will be in Delta Utah at Grace Baptist Church in January. The church is without a pastor. Please be praying for the churches without pastors.

As we head into the holiday season, we hope and pray that the Lord will give you good times with your friends and family. May the Lord give you a blessed Christmas.

Merry Christmas 2017

Dear Friends and Family,

            We want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  This year has been busy.  Upon reflection, the Lord has brought many blessings.  Yes, there are times of suffering and trial but we have seen the Lord working.  It is always encouraging to see God working in and through us.

            We were in many churches for ministry.  It was probably the busiest time we had in years.  There were mission conferences, special meetings, helping churches who do not have a pastor, camps and speaking in chapel at two different colleges.  A highlight was the trip to South Africa for five weeks of ministry.  We finished out the year with meetings in Arizona.  We are catching up on things at home now.

            Jeneen has been busy helping her mom as she fell and fractured the top vertebrae of her neck.  God spared her life and we saw why a couple of months later.  Jeneen’s mom was able to lead a friend to Christ.  The Lord is working.  Jeneen’s mom continues to have health issues.  Jeneen has been dealing with some health problems too.  God has been giving some relief. 

            Our family is busy doing what the Lord sets before them.  Peter and Tonya are super busy with school and writing.  Peter hopes to have another book out soon.  His latest western, Shadow of Devil’s Tower came out last April.  Tonya is teaching at Boise Classical Academy and taking classes at Boise State.  Jost and Kade are busy with school too.  Jost is a freshman at BSU and Kade is a sophomore at Boise Classical Academy.

            Michelle and the kids are busy with schooling too.  Michelle has picked up some part time work to help supplement their income.  Josie, Scott, and Colette are growing tall.  Michelle continues to be busy at church and teaching music lessons.  They are busy.

            Joe continues to work at Arizona State and the Biblical counseling center.  Rebekah keeps busy with her home based businesses.  Philip, Caleb, Sophia, and Nathan are busy with schooling.  We were able to see them in November.  It is always good when we can spend time with our family.

            We hope you have a good Christmas.  The Lord may return in 2018.  We do not know what is ahead for any of us.  The constant is that the days keep moving forward toward that day.  May God give you a special time for the holidays.  May you have some good times with your families.         

November 8, 2017
Dear Friends,

Update on the Need in South Africa – Our last update shared the need in South Africa for finances to buy a building for Lakeside Baptist Church in Sedgefield. Let me give you an update. Things have changed in the requirement for the church to buy the building. After giving a large deposit, the owners agreed to give the church another 30 days to raise the money. The last I heard is that the church still needs about $65,000. Many have given to the need. Thank you.
If the Lord would lead you to help as they get closer to completion, please do so. The way to do it is to write a note with the Peterson’s name and mention that the money is for the church building fund. Here is the information on the mission board: Independent Faith Mission, PO Box 7791, Greensboro, NC 27417.  Thank you for those who have already given to the need and thank you for all who will in the future. We have seen God do a lot already. We look forward to what He will do. May God be glorified.

Update on South Africa Trip – I spent about five weeks in South Africa; coming home November 1st. The Lord gave opportunity to speak in five different churches and several different venues. There were many things the Lord did during the trip; so many blessings and results. I worked with missionaries, pastors, and many people. There were many opportunities for fellowship. I was in Lakeside Baptist Church in Sedgefield for two Sundays. This is such a special church. They are seeking their own building as the place they are in now has become increasingly difficult for the expanding ministry. That is why the fund raising project. I met with the leadership team of the church twice. I really enjoy this good church.
I was also in two churches in the George area. Both were such blessings. The day after I was in the church in Pacaltsdorp, some men visited with a first time visitor. They were able to lead him to Christ. Praise the Lord. The next Sunday he was back in church. God is working in the churches there.
The last weekend, I flew to Cape Town. I spoke in Strand and in Stellenbosch. It was great to be with Pastor Jeremy, Pastor Miles, and Pastor Peter. I also visited several missionaries. Our home church supports Holly Gilbert who works with the Knipes. I met with the Elmers, Knipes, Gilbert, and Daniels. What a joy to meet all these servants of the Lord. There were several others too.
The whole trip to South Africa was a blessing. God worked greatly. Thank you for your prayers and support.
On the Home Front – Jeneen has been helping her mom and taking care of things at home. We are looking forward to seeing Joe and Rebekah in November while doing ministry in AZ. Jeneen’s mom is doing somewhat better. She still has some good days and some bad days. Jeneen will fly to AZ for most of the time I am there. We hope and pray the Lord will work greatly.

Thank you all for your prayers. God is working and it has been exciting to see. He gives good and perfect gifts. God is good.

October 6, 2017

Dear Friends,

This is a quick update while ministering in South Africa. There is a special need I would like to share. I am with missionaries Lee and Janelle Peterson in the community of Sedgefield. This is my fourth trip to South Africa. The Lord’s timing for this trip is evident as the church prepares for the next phase of growth. The church, Lakeside Baptist Church, is a mission work pastored by Lee. They are growing and are ready to get a building of their own. They currently rent a school for Sunday morning service. The other services are in homes. At this stage, the ministry is being suppressed by not having its own building. So they have been searching for either a property to build on or a place with a building already there.
This Wednesday, I had the privilege of meeting with the leadership of the church as they discussed a place that came available in the last couple of days. The building would need some modification but it is a good place for the church to have a presence in the community. They placed an offer because at the listed price, it was going to go quickly. It was accepted. It is reasonably price in a community with high property values. The church has been saving but they do not have enough to cover the price. They are seeking God’s provision for the difference.
The church has about $30,000 but needs to raise the rest. The price is 1.6 million in South African rand. That works out to about $123,000. The church is limited. They need about $90,000. Pastor Lee is sending an email to his supporters. I said I would do the same.
If the Lord would want you to be a part of this project, please let them know. This could be the last phase before the church goes self-supporting. It is exciting to see what God is doing. Please pray for the church and for God to show Himself mighty. It is amazing how this property has become available and for such a good price. May God be glorified. Below is the Peterson’s letter.

Dear Friends,
As many of you know, we have been praying to have our own property for our church. Our ministry has become quite limited in the school where we meet due to stricter regulations. One of the big problems that we face here in Sedgefield is that there not much property for sale; and when it does become available, it is quite expensive. However, we were approached this week about a property that has become available, is in a prime location, and is cheaper than the other properties that we have been looking into. We have put in an offer (which was accepted) but they have given us 30 days to come up with the funds. Once again we would ask that you would pray concerning the provision for this building, but ultimately that God would be glorified in the process. We are trusting God for His provision and direction. Lord Bless.

Sincerely,
Lee and Janelle Peterson
PO Box 1482
Sedgefield 6573
South Africa

605-412-7306

Here is the information on the mission board.  Please send gifts through the mission.
Independent Faith Mission
PO Box 7791,
Greensboro, NC 27417

Please include a letter with the Peterson’s name and also mention that it is for the church building fund!  Thanks so much.

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 6^th 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 22^nd of September.  Our home church is hosting the Northwest Baptist Missions Annual Conference on September 26^th and 27^th.  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 28^th and am scheduled to arrive home November 1^st.  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.                         

                    My heart has been encouraged.  Let me share.  It has been a joy for Jeneen and me to be with such good pastors and peoples in the churches.  I like to use the phrase to describe them; “people of kindred spirits.”  I really believe God is doing something special in the churches.  People are getting excited about simply walking with God and doing His will.  We know God’s will is good.  There are still many difficulties but the underlying spirit in hearts is a desire to see God work in and through each of us.  People who are hurting are finding comfort in the Lord.  Intimacy in our relationship with God is being sought.  Praise the Lord for how He is working.  As we draw nigh to Him, He will get close to us. 

We are thankful to be a part of what God is doing.  We thank God for putting us in the ministry.  We rest in knowing God is working in and through us.  Sometimes we get to see what He is doing specifically through us.  It is an encouragement.  Thank you all for your prayers and your part in what we do. 

Where we have been –

            March              Kingman, AZ – Calvary Baptist Church

                                    Pocatello, ID – Pocatello Baptist Church

                                    Thayne WY – Friendship Baptist Church

            April                Wenatchee, WA – Lincoln Park Baptist Church

                                    Kent, WA – Galilee Baptist Church

                                    Green River, WY – Green River Bible Baptist Church

                                    Rock Springs, WY – Grace Baptist Church

            That’s the short version.  Here is a bit more about each church and ministry.          

             Kingman AZ at Calvary Baptist Church – They are still looking to the Lord in their search for a new pastor.  God is opening some doors for them.  We hope they find God’s man soon.  Jeneen had a cold while we were there so the church put us in a motel.  Jeneen was able to rest.  The church really ministered to us in our time of need.

            Pocatello ID at Pocatello Baptist Church – Jeneen stayed home to recuperate from her cold.  Pastor Griffin is doing well as pastor there.  He is growing and so is the church.  We had good attendance for the meetings. 

            Thayne WY at Friendship Baptist Church – We enjoyed being with Pastor Jay and Pam Sprecher.  They are missionaries with Northwest Baptist Missions planting a church in Thayne.  The church has its own building and God is working.  We are excited for this church plant.  The Sprechers are doing a good work.

            Wenatchee WA at Lincoln Park Baptist Church – Pastor Brian Ernsberger and I had some good fellowship during the week of meetings.  It is nice to know good men.  We had a good week of meetings with good attendance; special times with special people. 

            Kent WA at Galilee Baptist Church – We had a good time with the church family and the school.  God gave some good times of fellowship with the folks there.  It was a blessing to be with Pastor Hicks, the staff and the church family.  God is working and people are growing in the Lord.

            Green River WY at Green River Bible Baptist Church – We started meetings on Resurrection Sunday.  What a special time to start.  Pastor Jeff Chappell is doing a good job with the church and school.  This was our first time to be with this church.  We were impressed with Pastor, Julie (his wife), and the church family.  I am excited about what the Lord is doing.  It was very evident in the meetings and spirit of the church that God is building lives. People are interested in what God will do in them and through them. 

            We had one day with Grace Baptist Church in Rock Springs WY.  It is always a joy to be with Pastor Kerry Hodgs.  We had a good meeting that night.  The Lord was working as there are several hard situations happening in people’s lives.  I spoke of how God is still good no matter the circumstances we find ourselves going through at the moment.  God can make good come out of bad.  It was a sweet time with God’s people.

 What’s happening now –

            I am still working with some churches that do not have pastors.  God has been opening some doors in regard to that need.  We hope and pray for more good men in the pastorate.  We need more laborers in the West.  Please pray for the churches and the pastors in the West.

            Next on our schedule is the 30^th of April, I will be in Ennis MT at Rocky Mountain Baptist Church.  It will be good to see them and to talk with them about their search of a pastor.  I met with a young man in Kent that may be a good possibility.  Pray for them as they search. 

            I look forward to helping the church in Notus ID too.  We also are looking forward to the backpacking men’s camps.  One week will be the last few days of July and the first few of August.  Travis and the group form AZ will be coming that week.  I have some other weeks available too.  I will be speaking at the Black Hills Baptist Camp senior high week the last full week of July.  Busy summer ahead!

             Thanks for your prayers and support for Jeneen and me as we minister among the churches.  It is a blessing to see God work.  We are looking forward while enjoying the blessings of the last months.  May God bless you all in your labors.  Keep up the good work of faith. 

Leavell’s Annual Report

            It has been an unusual year.  Snowfall in December for the Boise Valley is in the top ten recorded amounts.  It is not a normal winter so far.  Our presidential race was certainly not normal.  The Chicago Cubs won the World Series.  Our home church moved into our new building in December after being in a rented facility since the church was started fourteen years ago.  The topic of this being an unusual year has come up in many conversations.  We would also characterize this year in ministry as being unusual.

            Unusual is not always bad.  Actually, this year has been exceptionally good.  The opportunities to minister have been numerous but sometimes we served in unusual ways.  We helped in churches that are looking for pastors.  I spoke at a home school graduation service.  I was able to help in various capacities with the building of our new church.  There was opportunity to speak in several conferences along with annual meetings for missionaries.  The men’s backpacking camps went well.  My conditioning was above average.  We were able to do things I really enjoyed in the mountains.  We had meetings in several churches throughout the year.  The fellowship in the churches, camps, conferences, and in the homes we stayed was unusually good.

            2016 has not always been good.  We have helped with people, pastors, and churches in hurting situations.  There is much suffering and pain in this world.  It helps us to look forward to the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells.  Our family’s loss of Chris is still forefront in our thoughts.  As we minister in the churches, God brings many to us who are also hurting due to loss of one type or another.  We comfort each other with the comfort God has given us.  God’s grace and comfort is sufficient.  But loss still hurts.

            We praise the Lord for His provision spiritually, physically, and emotionally throughout the year.  Jeneen and I are doing well.  The Lord continues to keep us busy.  We are thankful for this unusual year.  We look forward to a busy year in 2017.

Looking Ahead –

            2017 starts off with us being in Utah for meetings, then to a round robin mission conference in Idaho.  We will be in California, Idaho, and Wyoming in March.  April will start in Washington.  We are looking to be in South Africa in September/October.  November we have a meeting scheduled in Arizona.  We also want to help churches without pastors when God gives those opportunities.  Along with the other things the Lord sets before us, 2017 looks like a busy year.  I wonder if it will be unusual.  May God continue to bless you in the work He has called for you.  Thank you for your prayers and support of the ministry He has set before us.