Dear Friends,

It is amazing what the Lord has done these past two months.  The trip to South Africa from the middle of May till about the middle of June was fantastic.  There were opportunities to preach and teach in five different churches and at the ministry leadership training conference.  There were great discussions about the Lord, salvation, and how to best live the Christian life.  Another highlight is working with Phil at the Serenity House.  It is a rehab facility and the residents often have questions during the hour long sessions.  Jeneen and I talked with a lady at a church one Sunday morning who made a profession of faith.  What a joy to see God working in the churches there.

We also had two young men from our home church come to South Africa the last part of our trip.  They were impressed with the people and churches.  Randy Lavorante took many pictures and wrote a journal of the trip.  He posted them on our Facebook page. The dates are the first part of June.  If you are not a “friend” yet and would like to be, let us know.  It was nice to have Randy and Jason join us for the last part of the trip.

What can you say about another amazing trip to South Africa?  I am thankful to those who have made it possible for Jeneen and me to minister there.  We hope the Lord will give more opportunities in the future.

Currently, I am in Fairbanks Alaska, working with Pioneer Baptist Church and McGrath Road Baptist Church.  It was a special blessing to speak at the celebration of the new auditorium of Pioneer Baptist Church in North Pole.  God has done a wonderful work in and through the people to bring this project to completion.  Pastor Marshall Hamilton and the church family are a blessing to work with.  I will be here till the 25^th of July.  Last Sunday evening, I spoke at McGrath Road Baptist Church.  I will probably do so again this next Sunday.  Pioneer does not meet in the evening on Sundays, leaving me with the opportunity.  McGrath Road Baptist is without a pastor.  Please pray for them as they continue to search for God’s man.  It has been about a year now.  I know of three churches we are close to that are without pastors.  There is a need for good men to care for the churches.  Please pray for churches without pastors.

WHAT IS AHEAD –

I will continue to preach, teach, and fellowship with the people here in the Fairbanks AK area till I go home the 25^th.  The next activity on the schedule is the Men’s Backpacking Camps.  The first one is the 3^rd of August through the 10^th of August.  We will be going to the Cody WY country for this trip.  It is where I spent my childhood.  Jeneen and I also spent the early part of our marriage there before leaving in 1981 to finish college.  I look forward to sharing the beauty and uniqueness of the area with the men.  We also hope to catch some fish.  It is always a great time fellowshipping around God’s Word in the beauty of His creation.  It is “soul refreshing.”

I have one more trip planned for our college career group but am open for at least one more during August.  Let me know if there is some interest in a trip into the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho.

In September, we have scheduled a special trip back to Tulare, SD where I will be speaking at the 50^th anniversary of Bethany Bible Baptist Church.  This is the church where Jeneen and I were first in the ministry.  I pastored there from 1983 till 1990.  They have a very special place in our hearts.  October, the 6^th through the 13^th, we will be in Gilbert AZ, working with Southeast Valley Baptist Church where Joel Tetreau is pastor. We look forward to seeing what God will do there.  After the meetings there, I will be speaking at a Men’s Retreat at Casa Grande and then the next Sunday at Victory Baptist Church.  November we will be starting meetings in Alaska with Immanuel Baptist Church.

As you can see, God is keeping us busy.  We certainly enjoy serving the Lord where He puts us.  It is such a blessing to work with the best people in the world in the churches God is building.  We are thankful to be a part of the work of the Lord.

KEEP PRAYING –

It is God who both works in us and through us.  Without Him, we can do nothing.  Please pray for God to work mightily.

May God bless.  Thanks for praying.

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 had 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 10^th 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 14^th.  We plan to return home the 12^th 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 are 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.

Leavell’s Prayer Letter – March 2013
Dear Friends,
The greatest relationship we can have during our lifetime is with God. All other human relationships pale by comparison, no matter how good they are. The reason I say this is because all of mankind is flawed. When my wife married me, she received an imperfect man. Before you feel sorry for her, realize that she is imperfect too. All of us have to admit, we make mistakes. But in our relationship with God, it is perfect God with imperfect man. God always acts rightly towards us. His love is pure. The way he deals with us is impeccable. There is no other relationship possible with such potential. Understanding who God is and how He works should deepen the intimacy of our life with God. What a privilege we have to share with others our God who loves each of us and enables us to have a relationship with Him.

WHERE WE HAVE BEEN –
The last part of January, I was in Pella Iowa for two Sundays at Berean Baptist Church. They are without a pastor. Please pray for them to find God’s man. Jeneen and I were able to attend the Christian Writer’s Guild Conference in February. It was inspirational for both of us. Two publishers expressed interest in the new discipleship book. One has already responded that they cannot use it at this time but they really liked it. Looking forward to how God works. We have only 38 copies of the old book so we will need to do something in the near future.
We went to Faith Baptist Church in Cheyenne WY for a Sunday evening service. It was great to see Pastor Miller and his family. The next Wednesday evening we were at Berean Baptist in Pella IA. We always enjoy the people there. While going through Iowa, we stopped by Faith Baptist Bible College. It was nice seeing friends. On Friday, I was in northern Minnesota for the Men’s Retreat while Jeneen stayed at Sauk Centre. After speaking three times there, I went to Sauk Centre where Jeneen and I stayed for ministry Sunday through Sunday at Faith Baptist Church. It was a blessing to be with Pastor Ron Hemsworth and family. They have a wonderful church family. We really enjoyed our time with them.

WHAT’S NEXT –
April 7th, we start meetings at Rapid Valley Faith Baptist Church in Rapid City SD, where Ralph Silcott is pastor. The next Sunday we will be at Bethel Baptist Church where Marvin Jones is pastor. We have the 21st of April open on the way back to Idaho.
On the 10th of May, Jeneen will be speaking at the Ladies’ Banquet at Pocatello Baptist Church in Pocatello ID. Please pray that God will use her as she is with the ladies.
We leave for South Africa on May 14th and will return the 12th of June. It will be good to see everyone and minister in several churches. Jeneen and I look forward to being there again. This will be my third trip there. I look forward to doing a ministry leadership training time too. God is working in South Africa.

SPECIAL NEED –
Normally we do not share needs for finances. We pay for our foreign trips out of the monies we receive. So far, we have saved enough to cover my trip and expenses. We have some for Jeneen but she still needs to raise about $1500. If you would like to help her, please let us know. Please pray for God to provide.

BACKPACKERS –
This summer we are working on a couple of trips. We have some options so if you are interested, please let me know. Men’s Backpacking Camps are always soul-refreshing.

THANK YOU –
A special thanks to all who pray for us. God protected us as we traveled through the winter. We missed a couple of major storms by just hours. God’s working and leading was so obvious.
The spiritual blessings have been exciting. One great blessing we have seen is the people who are sincere in their desire to walk with the Lord. The depth of conviction and changes in people’s lives are exciting. Pray for God to work in us and through us. Thank you.

Your Fellow Servants,

Monte & Jeneen Leavell

Dear Friends,
Summary of 2012 –
One phrase Jeneen and I would use to characterize the year 2012 would be “answered prayer.” God answered prayer for Calvary Baptist Church in Kingman, AZ. The church began to seek a new pastor after Pastor Bob Lenzi went to be with the Lord. Many people were praying for the church. The first Sunday of this year, Jeneen and I were able to meet their new pastor, Troy Lohmeyer and his family. Pastor Lohmeyer and his wife, Sylvia are answers to prayer.
Another answer to prayer was how God provided finances for Jeneen enabling her to go to South Africa for ministry. In February, Jeneen and I spent over three weeks in Sedgefield, South Africa. It was great to work with the church family there. Please pray for the Lord to provide this year too. We are scheduled to go back in May for about a month.
We saw more professions of faith in 2012 than we have seen for many years. It is evident God is working and answering prayers. Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. These are just a few of the answers we have seen.

About Us –
Jeneen and I are doing well. We have been in good health and look forward to what the Lord has for us in 2013.
Our family is doing well too. Peter’s book, Gideon’s Call, was released in October. He is busy working on other books. Chris is pastoring in Tempe AZ at Grace Baptist Church. Joe is working on his master’s degree in counseling. Our grandchildren, nine of them, are growing. We enjoy seeing them when we can.

Future Plans –
January 23rd, I will be at Grace Baptist Church in Rock Springs WY for the Wednesday evening service. On Friday, the 25th, I will be at Berean Baptist Church in Pella IA. They are beginning the search for a new pastor. I look forward to ministering with them. The 14th of February, the Christian Writer’s Guild Conference in Colorado Springs begins. From there, Jeneen and I will head to Minnesota for a Men’s Retreat and meetings at Faith Baptist Church in Sauk Centre where Ron Hemsworth is pastor. April 7th, we start meetings at Rapid Valley Faith Baptist Church with Pastor Ralph Silcott.
We have a few open weeks this spring. May and June are filled. I plan to leave for South Africa on the 13th or 14th of May and come back on the 12th of June.

Special Prayer Requests –
• Please pray for Berean Baptist Church as they seek a pastor.
• Please pray for souls to be saved and believers to grow.
• Please pray for finances enabling Jeneen to go to South Africa.
• Please pray for scheduling of meetings and ministry.

Thank You –
Jeneen and I would like to thank you all for your prayers. We are seeing God do great things. We also want to say thank you for those who financially support us. We are blessed to have so many churches and friends who enable us to do what God has called us to do. Your support is an encouragement to us to continue in the work. Thanks so much.

May God bless you all. Keep up the good work of faith. Only the Lord knows what will happen in the coming months. Trust Him each day and live the life He gives to the fullest.

Yours in Christ,

Monte & Jeneen Leavell

Our Mission Is Clear

            The election of 2012 shows the moral decay of our nation.  We will continue to see rapid changes, even at a more accelerated rate.  More states are joining the acceptance of homosexuality, legalization of marijuana, and continual suppression of achievement by raising penalties on success in order to give to those who do not.  Our nation continues to take away rights in order to establish those who want to live an amoral lifestyle with no consequences.  The presidential election was determined not by political ideals but by moral issues.  We must face the fact that our nation is as President Obama said, no longer a Christian nation.

            So what about Christians, who believe in morality and absolutes?  We become the target.  We become a roadblock standing in the way of change.  Those who want an amoral society with no consequences view Christians as stuck in tradition or simple and small minded.

            We were able in the past, to think of our nation as embracing morality and good ethics. We must realize the truth and move from our complacent existence and our seeking of acceptance from society.  The moral climate of America will not change until the heart of America is changed.  Morality and good ethics must come from the heart and soul of the people.  You may not be able to legislate morality in a nation.  But as we see in our country, you can sure give acceptance to immorality.

            Paul just before his death wrote Timothy a letter.  He said that God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind.  He encouraged Timothy to continue in what he knew was truth even though there would be great changes in life and society.  As the battle for the heart of America continues, we must stay with what we know is true.  God is still God.  Nothing can separate us from His love.  All those who live godly will suffer from those who do not.  We will be ridiculed, laughed at, and may even become the objects of violent action.

            Our mission is clear.  Speak the truth in love.  There is forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Share the truth which comes from God where you are able.  Pray for the changing of hearts and lives.  Do not lose heart my fellow believers.  There is always hope in the Lord.

 – Monte Leavell

 Leavell’s Prayer Letter Update

 Dear Friends,

             Have you ever wished you could do something over again?  This afternoon, I was thinking back over the many years of ministry as a pastor and missionary evangelist.  Such reflection can be good but then you remember some of the events where you failed to say the right thing, hurt someone, or turned someone away somehow.  You remember the things you thought were so important at the moment only to find they were not really worthy of all the fuss.  God knows how many times we have failed Him.  As I reflect, I am so thankful for God’s comfort and grace to us.  I am thankful He does not give up on us even though someone else may have.  The conclusion to my thinking – I believe and hope I have learned a few things over the many years.  But then, the more we learn, the less we know.  Maybe you have never pondered such things but if you have, you can identify with my meditations this afternoon.

Where we have been –

            We spent some time in the LA area of California.  While there, we were at Bible Baptist Church in Santa Monica.  Pastor Russ Boone is doing a great job there.  He has been at the church since 1995.  We ministered there in 94-95 when they were without a pastor.  It was great to meet Pastor Boone and his family.  Praise the Lord, the church is doing well. 

            We stopped in at First Baptist Church in Wilmington also.  It was great to renew friendship with Pastor Tom Wilhite and his wife.  Jeneen and I really enjoy the time of fellowship with them.  I know this is something we feel many times but the time with them was just not long enough.   By God’s will, maybe in the future…

            The last backpacking trip was in the middle of September.  It was not as cold as I thought it would be.  It was a great trip with some of the best fishing and hiking of the summer.  Thanks to all the men who went this year.  You helped make “soul-refreshing” backpacking camps. 

            When we are home, we have taken on ministry in our church to the college, career age singles.  Each Sunday we are home, we will do a Sunday school class for them.  They are great.  We have enjoyed the activities and the Bible studies.   

Future plans –

            We will be doing some ministry at First Baptist Church in Notus, ID.  We have found Pastor Cleve and Jean Clucas to be good friends.  We look forward to being with them for their fall banquet and Sunday November 11^th. 

            We are scheduled to be Arizona in December.  It is always nice to go down there because it is where Chris and Joe live with their families.  Of course, we never get tired of seeing grandkids. 

            Next years schedule is starting to come together.  We are working on another trip to South Africa in May-June of 2013.  Jeneen and I enjoy the people there.  We look forward to what God has for us in South Africa. 

  A Special Time –

            Jeneen and I were able to take a special trip thanks to her sister.  Her sister works for Princess Cruises.  We had not taken a real vacation for about three years.  Through her sister, we were able to go on a 14 day cruise to Hawaii.  It was so special for Jeneen and me.  Thanks Denise. 

            Even on such a trip, we had lots of opportunities to share Christ and encourage Christians.  We became part of a Bible study on the ship and even helped in the Sunday church service.  We met two couple from Baptist churches that are looking for pastors.  As many of you know, when we have opportunity, we help churches seeking a pastor.  One of the men was on the pulpit committee for his church.  We spent quite a bit of time talking about the process and the need for good, faithful pastors.  They were finding the process quite difficult.  We were also asked to present our ministry to the group on board the ship.  Jeneen came to the conclusion that we will be busy doing the Lord’s work, even on vacation.  We are thankful because we were also able to spend some quality time together.  We just like being together.

 Thank you for praying –

            Thanks for your prayers.  God has been working in us and we trust through us.  I am working hard on the rewrites and edits of two books.  Please pray for us as we seek God’s will for each day.  Please pray for the churches and the pastors.  Thank you.

 May God bless –

            Keep looking to the Lord as it gets difficult looking around without looking up.  Thanks for being a part of what God is doing in our lives.

Monte & Jeneen Leavell

SPECIAL NOTE –

            Peter, our oldest son, wrote the book, “Gideon’s Call.”  It is available now at Family Christian Bookstores, Barnes and Noble, or online at CBD and Amazon and other stores too.  It is an award winning historical fiction based in the Civil War period.  We would encourage you to check it out.  Hope you enjoy it.  I know I did.

      Across the West, we have a drought.  The wildfires are still causing damage as they consume more and more acreage.  The fires and their smoke did affect some of the camps and backpacking.  Winter will be welcome relief to the West.  I look forward to six inches of snow across Idaho.

     The summer is going by quickly.  Four different weeks of camps, a couple of backpacking adventures and now bit of time at home makes it go fast.  Camps in AZ, WA and WY were good this summer.  I enjoyed the spiritual emphasis of each one.  The last two weeks of camp, we had several young people and teens who accepted Christ as their Savior.  The Lord gave many decisions among the believers too.  Even today, I heard of one who has carried their decision into their school.  Praise the Lord for how He is working in hearts. 

     We did Men’s Camp trips with a group from our home church and a group from AZ.  I have one more scheduled in September.  How many more years I will be able to do the backpacking trips, only the Lord knows.  I am thankful for each year He still enables.  They are “soul refreshing.”

     We look forward to the fall ministry.  We have a couple of things already on the schedule.  Our calendar does have some open dates in the months to come.  Let us know if we can be a help.

HOW WE GET MEETINGS –

     Many have asked how we get meetings.  Since the beginning of our time in evangelism, I determined before the Lord that I would depend upon Him for the meetings and our schedule.  After 18 years of travel, I have not changed my feeling about this method.  Therefore, unless someone brings a request to us, we do not pursue them.  We have simply let people know we are available.  It is then in God’s hands to lead them to invite us to work together.  We would love to be everywhere we are invited.  Our prayer has always been that we will be where God wants us to be, doing what God wants us to do, when He wants us to do it.    

     “How do churches hear about you if you do not promote?”  It has been by word of mouth.  Eleven years in the pastorate allowed us to be known in several circles.  That started us out with a pretty full schedule from the beginning.  From there we have expanded as the Lord allowed. 

     So, if someone would want us to come to minister in their church, camp, or conferences, they just need to ask.  We can set the dates and we will come.  It does not matter where, or whatever, if the Lord opens the doors, we want to be a part.  We come on a love offering basis.  God is good and He still directs all of our paths. 

THANKS –

     We would like to give a special thanks to all who have been a part of the ministry God has called us to do.  Over 18 years, we have been in missionary evangelism.  We know we could not do what we do without all of your support and prayers.  As God has used us in the lives of many over the years, you have been used of Him in our lives.  Thank you so much.  To God be the glory for what He has done and is doing in us and through each of us as we serve Him.

May God bless you all.

Your Friends and Fellow Servants, 

Monte & Jeneen Leavell 

Visions West Ministries

Evangelist Monte Leavell

1036 N Pinnacle Way

Eagle, ID  83616

(208) 939- 8859 (Home)

 Dear Friends,

 

Dear Friends,
 
     Jeneen and I thank you for your prayers and support enabling us to minister in South Africa.  We had the privilege of ministering at Lakeside Baptist Church where Lee Peterson is the pastor.  He was away because his mother was in great need having had a stroke and other health issues.  He, being an only child, has a lot of responsibility in her care.  Thankfully she is now settled in a nursing home and doing much better.  During his absence, I was able to teach and preach many times.  Also, we hosted the Ministry Leadership Training Conference.  It was three and a half hours of teaching.  I spent a lot of time teaching from the table during our stay there.  It is always a joy to share God’s Word with people who are hungry for more. 
    One of the great blessings was the fellowship of the believers there.  They really reached out to us and we had great Bible discussions most every day with people of the church.  It was very refreshing to see their desire to know God and His Word.  It was very encouraging to Jeneen and me. 
     We also had great accommodations during our stay.  Many mornings, we would have our devotions on the deck as the sun began to warm the day.  The beauty of the summer was a huge contrast to the winter we were experiencing in the states.  Yes, we are heading to Alaska March 16th.  The weather extremes are not as hard as the time zone differences.  We find the weather easier to adjust to than the time zones.  South Africa to Alaska is an eleven hour difference.  It is also from the bottom of the world to the top. 

      We had many opportunities to talk about salvation and the outworking of it in the life of the Christian.  God is working there and many are growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.  The Petersons are doing a good job in ministry.  The Lord is greatly blessing their efforts.  It was so evident in the life and growth of the church family. 
     We are getting ready for our next trip while holding meetings in Nyssa Oregon which is about an hour drive from our home.  The Lord has already blessed in the meetings and we are seeing good things.  Sunday was a high attendance since their new pastor has come.  They had 25 in the service.  Today, we are going out early to do some calling with Pastor Doug Sondergaard before the evening service.  Thank you all for your prayers and continued support of what God has called us to do.  
 

Today

     I am thankful for today.  When I awoke this morning I found it today.  When I woke yesterday, it was today.  When I wake up tomorrow, it will be today.  I cannot relive yesterday because it is now today.  I cannot live tomorrow until it becomes today. 

     God’s enabling grace is always given for today.  I received it yesterday when it was today.  I can count on it for tomorrow but cannot experience it until tomorrow becomes today.  I will never be separated from God’s love today.  I experienced it yesterday and can count on it for tomorrow but not until tomorrow turns to today. 

     Today is a day the Lord has made.   Yesterday was and tomorrow will be.  Every day I wake on this earth, I will find it today.  When I step into eternity, my todays will be turned into forever.  I will be with the Lord forever.  That is why today is the day of salvation.  We cannot always be sure of having tomorrow but we have today.  

     I am thankful many years ago I accepted God’s offer of salvation.  On that today I was given the precious gift of eternal life from God.  Because of that decision, I now experience the benefits of a relationship with God today.  If you have not trusted Christ as your personal Savior, then today is the time.  What you do today will affect your tomorrows when they turn into todays.

     I am thankful for today.

 Monte Leavell