August Update – 2015 Important

August 8, 2015

Dear Friends,

Some of you may have noticed the complete date in the title. I usually put the month and year. With the rapid changing events in the past two months, one day makes a difference in direction and planning. Things are moving quickly. The greatest changes are in family.

Family – Our son Chris resigned from the pastorate at Grace Baptist Church in Tempe AZ. The Lord led them back to Idaho. In July, they moved into our home on a temporary basis. In June, Chris noticed a growth under his arm. He started to get it checked in AZ but they recommended he make his move then get it checked. As of now, he has been through several steps which have resulted in a biopsy. The results came in Wednesday the 5th.

Here are Chris’s words –

“Today we received the results from the biopsy. The results were not what we had expected nor what we had hoped. The lump under my arm is melanoma cancer that has spread from somewhere else. They are not sure where it is coming from since I have no outward lesions or unusual moles. The next step is to find what stage is the cancer.

We are so thankful for all the prayers and outpouring of support and concern. We are not in despair or in any way losing heart. It is difficult to express how God has shown his graciousness to us over the last month and a half. We find our hearts are overflowing with gratitude and thanksgiving to God.

I think today is the first time I can barely begin to grasp Jesus’s words: “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” May God’s will always be done for it is always good.”

The results were a shock to all of us. We know it is not unexpected to our God and that He will work. We have already seen several things happen in light of the news. Chris told the church where he was a candidate to be their pastor that he has a new ministry. His doctor, who is a Christian, said his ministry now is to himself and his family as he battles the cancer. This is very serious.

I was in WY on a men’s camp when I received the news. I came home the next morning. We are praying and supporting each other through this time. There are many questions and steps to be taken in the days ahead. Please pray for Chris and Michelle. They have many logistical steps to take along with the medical cares.

On top of all this, this Friday, the nephew of the young man who was backpacking with me, passed away. He was one year old. Please pray for the Lavorante and Meuser families. We pray for God’s comfort and grace to be seen through all these things.

Ministry – We have been in several churches and two weeks of camps in the past couple of months. We also had been through two weeks of the backpacking camps. Because of the family situations, I am unable to go to the Red Cliff summit trails camp next week. Jeneen and I are hoping to be able to go to Jeffers MN later this month for meetings there. We have a meeting in Dillon MT in September. We trust the Lord to plan our days and trips. Of course, those plans can change in a moment’s notice.

Prayer – Please be in prayer for us. We do not know what is ahead. The Lord does and we trust Him to guide us through each day. Please pray for Chris and his family. This has hit us all quite hard as he just turned 37 in July. Please pray for the Meuser family in their time of loss also.

Information – We will try to keep everyone updated on the events of our lives. We are on Facebook and try to keep up dates there. Please friend us if you would like. Michelle and Chris are also setting up a Care Bridge page for updates.

God is working. Yesterday I was able to give the Gospel to a man and he listened intently. I pray the Lord will give more contact with him and we will see him come to Christ. May God be glorified in and through all our lives.

Thank you – We want to thank you for your prayers and for your support of what God is doing in and through us. May God work greatly. Thank you.

May Prayer Letter 2015

Dear Friends,

God is good and every good and perfect thing in our lives has come from Him. He has worked through many of you to be a great blessing to us also. We thank you for your prayers and support over the past 20 plus years we have been in itinerant ministry. Some have asked how it is being on the road for that long. A fairly close comparison is the deputation ministry of missionaries. One difference is that we have a home and are able to go there to rest after each trip. It is hard to imagine how ministry would be without the home base.

Where we have been –

As we have said in previous letters, we are busy in our home church when we are home. In December, I started going through our discipleship book, “Steadfast and Stable” on Sunday nights. Last Sunday, May 3rd, we finished the last session. Since there are only seven sessions, this shows how little we are home. We continue to work with the college career group. I am also on the land and building committee. We hope to start building sometime this summer. Needless to say, we are busy at home too.

We have ministered with Rocky Mountain Baptist Church in Ennis MT while they are without a pastor. I have been there four Sundays so far. The Lord is working in this church. Please pray for them as they seek God’s man to lead them.

In March, Jeneen and I were in Pasco WA at First Baptist Church, where Dave Dillsworth is pastor. We had a Sunday through Sunday meeting where I focused on the goodness of God. It was such a joy to see how the Lord worked. God is definitely good!

We had great fellowship with the pastor and people at First Baptist.

From there, we went to the FBF northwest meetings in Wenatchee WA. It was nice to meet new pastors and to see old friends too. I was allowed to promote the discipleship book too.

In April, we went to Grace Baptist Church in Pendleton OR where Alan Chapman is the pastor. The Lord is working in this church. It was great to have one of their members come to Boise on business. Jeneen and I were able to have dinner with him and his coworker. We thank the Lord for the many friends God has given us through ministry in the churches.

Where we are –

Right now, we are in the LA area for our son Joe’s graduation with his master’s degree in Biblical counseling. He has been working on it for the past few years. It is nice to see him finished and ready to move in a new direction as the Lord leads. We hope to see a few friends in the area before we leave.

Next Tuesday, we will be in Phoenix and will attend a pastors’ meeting there. It will be good to see old friends and to make some new ones.

Future Schedule –

In June, I will be speaking at Camp Tishamingo in AZ. I look forward to working with this group again. In July we have a couple of backpacking opportunities in the Sawtooths and Boulder White Cloud mountains of central Idaho. I really enjoy the men’s backpacking camps. They are “soul refreshing.” Let me know if you are interested. August has two weeks in WY for men’s backpacking camps. One week will be with Redcliff Bible Camp Summit trails. We are scheduled to be in MT in September and in ID in October. The Lord has opened the doors for various ministries in the coming months. We also hope to be back in Ennis with Rocky Mountain Baptist Church. Busy times for us but we love it.

Books –

We continue to hear how the Lord is using the discipleship book, “Steadfast and Stable.” The testimonials are such a blessing. I continue to work on other studies along with a fiction book.

Peter’s latest book, “West for the Black Hills,” has been doing well in reviews and sales. It is the story line of God and Gun but from a new publisher with new scenes. His book “Gideon’s Call,” is still available and continues to get good reviews. It will be a solid book for years to come. Peter has two other books in the works. His greatest wish is for more time to write. He balances his day job, writing, being a husband, father, church member and other obligations as best he can. He loves doing and being it all. And I thought I was busy.

Thank you –

Thanks to all for your support in prayer and encouragement of what God is doing in and through Jeneen and me. We look forward to what is ahead and thank God for His goodness to us. May God’s goodness be seen by each of us every day.

February Prayer Letter

Dear Friends,

The last couple of months have been very busy. I was thinking we would have some time to get some special projects done. It has not been the case. But with the Lord guiding our paths, we rest in His peace and grace. Sometimes events that come in a new day will surprise and test us. God allows them to stretch us in ways we would not go otherwise. The trials of life will either keep us dependent upon Him or lead us to despair away from Him. Faith in the Lord is necessary to stay close to Him. He knows what He is doing. If we believe that, we will stay close to Him and Him close to us.

During the past month, Jeneen and I have both caught and worked through the colds that have been going around. Jeneen’s is the most recent. She is gaining strength every day. I am pretty much through it. We thank the Lord that we were able to do the ministry the Lord set before us.

Where we have been –

In January, Jeneen and I were able to go to Arizona for a conference and ministry there. It was good to see old friends and to make some new ones. We were able to see many pastors and to share the discipleship book with several. February 1st, we were at Friendship Baptist Church in Thayne WY. Pastor Jay Sprecher and his wife, Pam, are doing a great job there. They were celebrating the church’s ninth anniversary. It was a privilege to be with the church in their celebration.

We received a call from Rocky Mountain Baptist Church in Ennis MT. Their pastor resigned the end of January after 18 years of ministry. I was there for Sunday services as well as speaking at their Valentine Banquet on the 8th of February. It was a full day at the church. We will be going back for Sunday the 22nd. Please pray for this church as they seek God’s man to be their pastor.

Looking forward –

As already mentioned, we will be working with Rocky Mountain Baptist Church in Ennis MT. We plan to be there the 22nd with the possibility of other days in the future. I really enjoyed being with them and look forward to what is ahead.

In March, we will be at First Baptist Church in Pasco WA on the 8th through the 15th. It will be good to see Pastor Dillsworth and the folks there. We are doing a Sunday through Sunday meeting there.

In April, we will be with Grace Baptist Church in Pendleton OR where Alan Chapman is the pastor. It will be good to be with them again.

The weekends we are home, I am teaching the college career class and teaching through the discipleship book on Sunday nights. Our home church is seeking to build this summer. We are working through the processes of getting to that point. It is nice to be active in our home church.

Steadfast and Stable –

The discipleship book is continuing to sell. We hope many are growing through this study. I personally know of four churches that are using it either in Sunday school or in their evening service. Our church is doing it in the evening service. I also know of a prison ministry in Alaska using it. The book is available through BJU press, Journeyforth Publishing, Amazon and CBD. We pray God will continue to use it for His glory. I am also working on a couple of more studies and hope to get them published.

Backpacking Camps –

I already have two weeks planned this summer. The first full week of August, we are planning on a trip to the Beartooths in WY. The second week of August, I will with Redcliff Bible Summit Trails Camp. I look forward to being on this trip. There are other weeks available for trips. Please contact me for information.

Personal –

Jeneen and I have been doing well. Her mom is doing so much better being in assisted living. Her house sold a couple of days after being on the market. The closing was less than two weeks after listing it. It has been exciting to see how God worked through all the sorting, moving, and everything else involved with this change.

Thanks –

Thank you all for your prayers and continued encouragement. We really appreciate all of you. We pray for you too.  May God work in and through all of us as we walk with Him. Keep up the good work.

Monte & Jeneen Leavell

Merry Christmas to all!!!

What is the greatest gift Jesus brought to humanity?  Many would say the gift of salvation.  I would too but I believe there is a bigger picture to consider.  With many hard issues in life, despair is a natural result.  Mankind needs to look forward to a better day.  Jesus brought hope for good.  He brings help to the helpless.  He can make good come out of bad.  He saves us from our sins.  He promises a home for eternity where there is no more sin and pain.  In that place, righteousness dwells.  We look forward to a better place and life in Christ.

Hope.  We have hope for a better day.  Jesus brought hope to mankind.  Even as we live this life on earth, we continue to hope for better days.  We work through the hard issues of life and even with death, knowing good things can still come to us.  We hope so.  We are thankful for the Blessed Hope, Jesus Christ.

Since writing the Christmas letter, many things have happened in our lives.  We did not go to Arizona this month.  Jeneen’s mom went into the hospital on December 3rd.  While there, she made the decision to go into assisted living.  Since she left the hospital, she has been living with us.  Jeneen is a good caregiver, having the gift of mercy.  We are now working through the process of moving Jeneen’s mom and getting her home ready to sell.  Needless to say, we are really busy sorting and putting things in storage and moving the rest to the new apartment.

We have not been able to send out cards this year like we want.  We have been slow to response to everyone’s letters and cards.  We hope for better days ahead.  We know God will work out the details as we follow Him.  Thank you all for your love and support.

Here is our Christmas letter.

Merry Christmas 2014

Dear Friends and Family,

Jeneen and I are so thankful for the family and friends God has put into our lives.  We do not take our family for granted.  God gave each of the boys a wonderful wife.  We like watching how each wife fits her husband.  We praise the Lord for their marriages.  We are also thankful for our nine grandchildren.  Of course, we can never see them enough but are happy when we do.  They are growing both physically and spiritually.

We also appreciate the friends God has given to us.  Even though we do not see everyone each year, when we do get together, we pick up again where we left off.  It is always a joy when we see you again.  It would be great to see many of you this next year.  We think of you all and pray for you often.

This year, Jeneen’s health has not been good.  It prevented her from going on several ministry trips.  We are thankful she has some answers and has been doing much better in the last two months.  I found out that I have an allergy to dairy products.  It is inflammatory rather than anaphylactic reaction.  Overall though, we are doing well.  Jeneen’s mom has been struggling with heart, lung, and digestive issues.  Jeneen has been able to care for her while she was home.  My mom is doing well.  We are thankful we both still have our moms.

Ministry is going well.  If we are not busy in our travels, we are busy in our home church.  I really enjoy ministering in the churches wherever God would have us go.  God has been so good to us but then, He is always good.  When we are home, we have the privilege of working with the college career group.  Our home church is proceeding in putting up a building on the 19 acres we bought a few years ago.  I am quite involved in that project too.  So, either at home or on the road, we are busy.

Another project has come to fruition.  My book, Steadfast and Stable was published by Journeyforth Publications this year.  It was released November 18th.  I will be teaching through it and about it on Sunday nights when we are home in December and January.  We hope to be able to go to Arizona over Christmas and New Years to be with family there.  While there I hope to be able to show the book to several pastors for use in their ministries.

Jeneen has been able to do some oil painting lately.  She really enjoys her art.  I have been doing more writing.  I am working on a couple of Bible studies and a fiction work.  Writing is a lot more work than putting words on a page.  That is just the first step.  There are rewrites, self-editing, editors, submit to a publisher for approval, if approved, signing a contract, more edits, final edits, printing, binding and then release.  It is really quite a process.  Peter is hoping to have two or three new books released this next year.  He is in the process anyway.

In closing, Jeneen and I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  We look forward to each day He has for us.  I can’t wait to see what He has ahead.

Leavell’s Prayer Letter – December 2014

Leavell’s Prayer Letter Update

December 2014

Dear Friends,

Answers to Prayer –

God is giving more answers to prayer. Ministry in the fall went very well. God allowed Jeneen to be able to go to Alaska. That was an answer to prayer. Also, the book was released on November 18th; another answer to prayer. Jeneen’s health is much better. God is answering prayer.

Happenings –

The Lord blessed with a good meeting in Burley ID in September. In October, we went to Alaska for a meeting in Anchor Point. It was nice to be with Pastor Jim and Beth Haning. The Lord gave a good time of fellowship with them and the church family.

From there, Jeneen and I went to Palmer to be at Immanuel Baptist Church. We had a Sunday through Sunday meeting. Pastor Ben and Diane Burtch have been there many years and the Lord has used them greatly. It was good to see many good friends from several churches while we were there. Immanuel has a special church family.

After coming home from Alaska, I went to Eureka MT to be at Valley Baptist Church while Pastor and Juanetta Schrepfer reported to a couple of their supporting churches. This mission church is doing well. It is always a blessing to be with them.

Looking Forward –

We hope to be going to Arizona in December. While there we will be meeting with several different pastors and spending time with the boys and their families. While we are home, I will be teaching through Steadfast and Stable on Sunday evenings in our home church.

In January, we hope to be going to a conference in AZ. I look forward to it. We have meetings scheduled in the coming months but we are open for more if the Lord provides.

I also hope to do some ministry trips for getting to know more pastors and for promoting the new book.

Jeneen and I want to thank you all for your prayers and support. We praise the Lord for you all. May you have a Merry Christmas and a great New Year.

Steadfast and Stable Release

Steadfast_and_Stable[1]

Dear Friends,

Many of you have been praying for the book to be finished and published.  Your prayers have been answered.  Praise the Lord for seeing this project come to fruition.  Thank you for all your prayers.

“Steadfast and Stable,” is now available through Journeyforth Publishing.  You can find it at http://www.bjupress.com/product/299628.  The book is also available on Amazon and through Christian Book Distributers (CBD).

Steadfast and Stable is about the Biblical foundation of your faith.  It is a good study for a group or a Sunday school class.  It can also be done individually or one on one.

Our hope and prayer is that the book will be needed because of people coming to Christ.  Both the newly saved and the mature believer can benefit from this study.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.  Please pray as I am working on a follow-up study and two men’s studies.  May God bless.

Fall Prayer Letter

Dear Friends,

Answers to prayers – God has been answering prayers. Two of the churches we were praying for have new pastors. We praise the Lord for how the processes have been going for them. There are still other churches without pastors. They need God’s wisdom in their search.

Another answer to prayer is that Jeneen is starting to do better. She was able to travel on a short trip for our 40th anniversary. The trip went well. She was able to find things to eat and did not have too much of a problem. She is hoping to travel on the upcoming trips.

Happenings –

The camp in WA went well. It was good to fellowship around the Word with the folks there. It was a privilege to speak at the services of Chewelah Baptist Church where Dan Cleghorn is the pastor. The Lord is blessing there.

We had three different trips to the mountains for backpacking camps this summer. The first week, we had a storm like I have not seen in the high country. The amount of hail on the ground was about three inches. We walked out in the evening, finding that it was just in our area where the hail hit so hard. It made for an interesting trip. It was evident of the Lord’s protection and guidance through all the trips this year. The men have expressed how the Lord worked through the weeks.

Jeneen and I took a short trip for our 40th Anniversary. It was a blessing to be together and to see how God has been working in her. He has given her the ability to deal with what has been happening in her health. We praise the Lord.

Looking forward –

Please continue to pray as the last details of publishing the discipleship book come together. The expected date for release is the last part of November. I look forward to “Steadfast and Stable” being available for people and churches to use. It is the Biblical foundation for your faith. We are praying God will use it greatly.

In September, we will be ministering in a church in Idaho. We hope and pray the Lord will bless. In October, we head back to Alaska for meetings at Anchor Point and Immanuel Baptist Church in Palmer. We have a Wednesday evening open for ministry while we are there. The date is Wednesday, October 22nd. Let us know if there is an opportunity for ministry that day.

After we come home from there, we head to Montana to be at Valley Baptist Church in Eureka. We will be there for two weeks while the pastor is away at a mission’s conference. We have been a part of the ministry there several times before and look forward to the fellowship and ministering with the people.

We are praying about ministry in South Africa again. We are seeking the Lord’s will and provision. Please pray with us about this.

Thank you –

May God bless each of you. Thank you for all you do to keep us going in the work God has called us to do. We look forward to what is next and praise the Lord for what has been. We thank God for each of you and pray for you.

Spring 2014 Prayer Letter – April 4th

Dear Friends,

News – God is working in many areas in us and through us.
• Jeneen is still dealing with her Interstitial Cystitis but she is having some good days. Thank you for your prayers. She is going to try traveling on some close to home trips in the coming months.
• Jeneen’s mom has been dealing with pneumonia and some heart issues. Twice she has been in the hospital, followed by time in our home till she is recovered enough to be at her home. It is good Jeneen has been here to help.
• We have some exciting news about the new discipleship book. I just signed a contract with JourneyForth to publish the book. They are a part of BJU Press. This is huge step toward getting the book published. We will let everyone know when it is available.

Where I have been –
• In February, I went to Valley Baptist Church in Eureka MT to do a Sportsmen’s Banquet and have some meetings. It was a great time with Pastor Matt and Juanetta Schrepfer and the wonderful church family. Praise the Lord for the building where they are meeting. They also own land and are looking to build in the future.
• It was great to be in Iowa again at Berean Baptist Church in Pella. They have a new pastor, Bruce Thompson. It was good to see the church family and friends there. God is working in and through this church.
• From there, I went to Grace Baptist Church in Pendleton OR where Alan Chapman is the pastor. God is using him there. We had a good revival there and it was evident God was working. It was good to see old friends and make some new ones.

What is ahead –
• Resurrection Sunday, we will be going to Pocatello ID to be at Pocatello Baptist Church for this special day. Many of you know and have been praying since they lost their pastor due to a snowmobile accident. Please continue to pray for Leslie Deatherage and the family. Pastor Colan Deatherage is being missed. They need God’s comfort.
• The next Sunday starts meetings at First Baptist Church in Upton WY where Pastor Randy Fowler ministers. I will be at First Baptist Church in Hulett WY the next Sunday.
• In May, I will be heading down to AZ for a Sunday at Calvary Baptist Church where Troy Lohmeyer is pastor.
• After that meeting, I will be heading to Grace Baptist in Tempe where Chris is the pastor. It is always nice when he invites us down to minister with him and the church family. We enjoy seeing the grandkids while there.
• In June, we are taking a group from our church to Fairbanks AK to minister at Pioneer Baptist Church in North Pole. We will do a work project and a VBS in the evenings.

Thank you for your prayers. As you can see, we have been and are keeping busy. During all of this, we found out we have hail damage on our roof and have turned it in to insurance. They are going to put on a new roof and fix some other damage. Praise the Lord.
Please keep praying for us as there are many things ahead. I am picking up a new writing project too. I am preaching and teaching at our home church in between meetings. Thanks again for your prayers and support of what God has called us to do.

Update from the Leavell’s – Winter 2014

Dear Friends,

As a boy in Wyoming, my brothers and I built many forts and clubhouses. We would use whatever materials and tools available whether we were in the mountains or along the river. We built some great forts and had some wonderful adventures. Even now, when I go backpacking, I enjoy setting up camp as best I can. As I was thinking about this the other day, I realized the building of forts was a pattern of the Christian life.
When we are saved, God gives us new life in Christ. He also gives us all the tools to build and experience that life. We all have different circumstances and situations in life. With the tools and ability God has given us, we are to build. We are accountable for how we build. As we grow in Christ, it is nice to look back and see the building. Jeneen and I see how God has built our lives. We have taken the tools and grace He has given and used it to build. We are thankful for His grace to us.
All Christians have the tools to grow in our new life in Christ. May God bless each of our lives as we build with what He has made available to us. Grow in grace and knowledge.

What we have been doing –
We had a good trip to Alaska. What a privilege it was to speak at the installation service for Pastor Aron Schrepfer at Pioneer Peak Baptist Church. We had good meetings at Immanuel Baptist Church and Hamilton Acres Baptist Church. Even though it was cold in Alaska, we had warm fellowship around the Word of God.
I have continued to write. The discipleship book is with a publisher and they are going through the steps toward publication. It has required me to do some more work on the book. I am excited to see what will happen.
Jeneen has been quite busy with her mom. She has been in the hospital and moved in with us to recover strength. After a few weeks, she was able to move back to her home. Since then, she has had some more spells but not quite as bad. Thankfully, we were home and available.
While home, we continue to be active in our church. I am a deacon and on the land and building committee. We are actively seeking God’s will concerning erecting a church building in the near future. Jeneen and I still work with the college and career singles in our church. We have such a great group. They sure keep us on our toes.

What we look forward to doing in the future – Lord willing –
In February, we are going to Valley Baptist Church in Eureka MT. We start with a Sportsmen’s Banquet and then have meetings at the church. We look forward to working with Pastor Matt and his wife Juanetta Schrepfer. We then head to Iowa for meetings at Berean Baptist Church in Pella. Please pray for them as they are voting on a new pastor soon.
The first part of March, we have meetings at Grace Baptist Church in Pendleton OR where Alan Chapman is the pastor. In April, we will be with Pastor Randy Fowler in Upton WY at First Baptist Church. May, we plan to be in AZ. June, we are planning on taking a group from our college and career class to do a work project and VBS at Pioneer Baptist Church in Alaska.
There are some weeks available if churches are interested. We are excited about what is ahead. The Lord is working. I thank the Lord for what He is doing. Our home church keeps us busy when we are home.

Special Prayer Requests –
• Please pray for the meetings and the Lord’s working in hearts.
• Please pray for the publication process to go well.
• Please pray for Jeneen’s health as her interstitial cystitis is flaring up after being dormant for many years.
• Please pray for the churches without pastors, especially McGrath Road Baptist Church in Fairbanks AK.

Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. We certainly need them. Only God produces fruit through us which remains. May God bless each of you as you walk with Him. We are blessed to have you as friends and joint heirs with Christ.

Your Friends in Christ,

Monte and Jeneen Leavell

Fall Update 2013

Update from the Leavell’s – Fall 2013

Dear Friends,

             There is something special about thirty years.  Jesus was thirty years old when He started public ministry.  Jeneen and I were twenty eight when I accepted the pastorate at Bethany Bible Baptist Church in Tulare SD.  This summer marked our thirtieth year of ministry as a vocation.  Eleven years we were in the pastorate followed by nineteen years traveling as a missionary evangelist.

It seems like we are just getting started at thirty years.  With those years of experience and walking with the Lord, we have learned many lessons.  Dare we use the word, wisdom?  God does give wisdom.  We should all be learning and growing.  Jeneen and I are thankful for the trials and blessings which give us much experience to draw from as we continue in ministry.

Two special events in September brought to mind many memories.  One was having the opportunity to preach at First Baptist Church in Cody WY on a Wednesday evening.  This is the church where I heard the gospel and was baptized a few months after accepting Jesus Christ as my Savior.  The other event was being at Tulare SD for the 50th anniversary of Bethany Bible Baptist Church.  I had the privilege of preaching the Sunday morning service on that special day.  They were celebrating 50 years while Jeneen and I were celebrating 30 years of ministry and Tulare was where it started for us.  Yes, it has been a time of reflection.

Where we have been –

I wrote our summer letter while I was in Alaska.  After coming home the last part of July, I started preparing for the Men’s Backpacking Camp. We spent a week in the Beartooth Mountains in Northwestern WY.  It was a great time of fishing, fun, and fellowship in the mountains.  These trips are soul refreshing.  It is nice to see the beauty of God’s creation and study His Word there.  This was the only trip we took this year.

The next week I flew back to Fairbanks Alaska to be at McGrath Road Baptist Church.  They are without a pastor.  I tried to be an encouragement and blessing to the wonderful people there as they have been going through some difficulties.  Please be in prayer for them.  They are seeking God’s man to be their pastor.  It is a good church with much potential.  God is preparing the right man even now for the work.

In September, Jeneen and I went to Cody WY where I spoke on Wednesday evening at First Baptist Church.  What a blessing!  It was nice to get to know Pastor Jim Barrick and his wife.  I already shared why this church is so special to me.  Again, what a blessing to be there!

From there, we went to Tulare SD for the 50th anniversary.  It was nice to see old friends and talk of many memories.  The events there concluded on Sunday afternoon.  The next day we traveled to Upton WY where the Northern Plains Independent Baptist Fellowship had their fall meetings.  They were at First Baptist Church where Randy Fowler is pastor.  Starting Monday evening and finishing Wednesday evening, I had five opportunities to share God’s Word.  It was a great time of fellowship and sharing together.  This was the fellowship of which Jeneen and I were a part when we first entered the ministry.  Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons were filled with special activities, Wyoming style.  The guys shot sporting clays and golfed.  Jeneen went one afternoon with the ladies to shoot an AK 47, a 22, and a Glock 9mm.  I think she enjoyed it a bit too much.

October, we were in Arizona at Southeast Valley Baptist Church where Joel Tetreau is the pastor.  I spoke two Sundays and once on Wednesday.  It was good to get reacquainted with the church family.  The second Sunday was an evangelistic emphasis with several unsaved in the service.  We hope and pray God will use His Word to bring the unsaved to Himself.  I preached on the subject of impending judgment and the reason it has not come yet is that God is giving opportunity for more to be saved.  Please pray for God to work in hearts.

The next weekend was the Men’s Retreat at Victory Baptist Church in Casa Grande where Terry Green is pastor.  There were seven churches represented on that Friday evening and Saturday.  I was able to speak in four different sessions.  On Sunday, I had the privilege of speaking at the regular services of the church.  We certainly enjoyed our time at Victory.  The Lord is working and it was nice to meet some new young couples.

It is nice to go to Arizona especially when we were able to see our sons, Chris and Joe, and their families.  Jeneen and I enjoy the grandma and granddad time with the grandkids.  They sure grow up fast.

Where we will be –

In November, we head back to Alaska for meetings at Immanuel Baptist Church in Palmer where Ben Burtch is pastor.  It will great to be with this wonderful church family again.  While there, I will be speaking at the installation service for Aron Schrepfer who is now the pastor of Pioneer Peak Baptist Church in the Butte area of Palmer.  That service will be at 2pm on the 10th.  That will be a busy day as we start meetings at Immanuel too.

The following Saturday, after a men’s breakfast, Jeneen and I fly to Fairbanks for meetings at Hamilton Acres Baptist Church where Bruce Hamilton is pastor.  It will be a bit cooler than it was this summer but we look forward to warm fellowship around the Word with the folks in Fairbanks.

When we are home –

Jeneen and I are very active in our home church.  We are working with the college and career group.  God has been blessing.  We came home on Wednesday night from our last trip and Friday evening had an activity with 16 young people.  What a great group.  Along with being a deacon, I am co-chairman of our land and building committee.  Needless to say, for Jeneen and me, we are busy.  But we love it.  We love the people God puts into our lives.  We love the opportunities to share God’s Word and to encourage believers in their walk with the Lord.  We love to reach out to those who do not know the Lord.

It has been an amazing 30 years of ministry.  We look forward to what is ahead.  Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement and support.  We do not go alone.  The Lord is with us, enabling us all the way.  He also works in our lives through you.  Thank you for your part in what we do.

May God bless as you seek His will and walk worthy of Him.  Keep up the good work.

Yours in Christ,

Monte & Jeneen Leavell