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

 Dear Friends,

Leavell’s Prayer Letter Update

September 2011

Dear Friends,

     The 10^th of September, the last group of backpackers drove away from our home.  It has been a good season with four different weeks of trips.  This was more than normal but a real joy.  We had groups fromIowa,Colorado,Arizona and two fromWashington.  We also had four men from our home church participate.  It is hard to place a value on this ministry.  Even though each week was different, they all were a wonderful blessing.  It is good fellowship in the beauty of God’s creation.  We had good discussions throughout the days about the working of God and His Word.  I really enjoy the time with fellow backpackers.

     One of the blessings of centering out of our home during the backpacking season is the ability to minister in our home church on the weekends.  I have been teaching in Sunday School and working in the land and building committee.   FellowshipBaptistChurchhas purchased 19 acres and we are now seeking the Lord’s direction in the next steps.  There are site preparations and building plans to work through.  Please pray as we seek God’s will in each step.

     June through the 7^th of July, we spent in theFairbanks area ofAlaska.  We spent our entire time devoted to the ministry of Pioneer Baptist Church.  God gave some great weeks as we ministered with the church family.  We really enjoyed the fellowship with Pastor Marshall and Phyllis Hamilton.  While there, I was able to do a little work on their new auditorium.  They have much to do and are in need of finances for the next steps. Please pray for them.  We also spent some time with some of the folks at Hamilton Acres.  We are looking forward to being back there in April of 2012. 

Future Ministry –

     We plan to leave on the 26^th of September for the Northwest Baptist Missions Conference in Salt Lake City.  It will be their 40^th anniversary.  We have enjoyed the fellowship there several times before. 

     From there, we head to South Dakotafor meetings at CalvaryBaptistChurchin Huron.  Pastor Bill Holmes and the church will also be hosting the Northern Plains Independent Baptist Fellowship Meetings.  We will be there from the 2^nd of October through the 7^th.  The following Sunday, we will be with the church family atBethanyBibleBaptistChurch inTulare,SD.  This was the church I had the privilege of pasturing from 1983 till 1990.  It will be good to see every one again.  The last part of October, we plan to be inColorado. 

Availability – We have Wednesday night the 28^th of September open on our way toSouth Dakota.  We will leaveSalt Lake City that morning so it will need to be a less than a day drive from there.  Let us know if we can minster with you. 

Thank You –

     Thanks to all who have been praying and for your support of what God is doing in and through us.  We are excted about the months ahead.  We have two trips toAlaskaand a possible return toSouth Africain the works.  Along with this, we have ministry in the West. 

     May God bless. 

Monte & Jeneen Leavell

May 2011

Dear Friends,

     The picture is from Pioneer Baptist Church in North Pole Alaska.  The have done more work since this was taken March 2010.  Pastor Marshall Hamilton has asked Jeneen and me to come up for a month to help with the many projects and the preaching and teaching ministry of Pioneer Baptist.  We head there June 6^th and I will be coming home July 7^th.  With all of the daylight, there will be opportunity to do much.  We look forward to what God is going to do during our time there. 

     God gave great trips in April and May.  The trip with two young men from our home church toAlaska went well.  I spoke in three churches while they were with me.  The Lord gave good days for them to see the sights and to meet different pastors and see the camp ministry at Higher Ground. Alaska is a special place where God has opened many doors for us to minister over the years.  It was nice to share it with Randy and Jason. 

     After they flew back to Idaho, I went out to Iliamna to be with Mike and Jeannette Clark.  This was my first visit to a more remote area ofAlaska.  The village ministry reminded me much of the work Regeneration Reservation Ministries is doing among the Native Americans in Arizona.  We have enjoyed working with Regeneration at various times over the years and have learned much from them.  Those lessons become valuable for ministry in these types of areas.  It was a joy to work with Mike and Jeannette and the people in the villages.

     Jeneen and I were able to spend the first two weeks of May in Arizona.  It is always a good trip there to see friends and the church families. But with two sons and their families there, it is always great to see them too. 

     On the Home Front – Our home church, Fellowship Baptist Church has made an offer on land and it was accepted.  We have much information to gather before we make the final decision.  I am an active part of the team when I am home.  Please pray for our church here as we go through this process.  The Lord opened the door on 19 acres of land.  We need to know His will every step of the way.   We do not want to be ahead of Him or behind Him.  We just want to do His will.  Please pray.

     As you can see, we have much going on.  We appreciate your prayers for wisdom, grace, and strength.  God is working greatly these days.  Thanks you so much for your part of His work in and through our lives. 

Your Fellow Servants

Monte & Jeneen Leavell