Dear Church,
Stacy and I, along with our two youngest boys, enjoyed a trip to New Jersey at the beginning of the year. We were able to do this thanks to the help of both Gabriel and Caleb (who filled in) and our friends from the Beaver Falls Baptist and Mountain View Baptist Churches. We were truly refreshed by our trip and encouraged by several supporting churches. Thank you for your continued prayer and support as we rejuvenate and prepare for the work ahead!
It was a great privilege and joy to visit a couple churches on the East Coast. We would have loved to visit each of your churches, but of course that would be impossible at this time. The four of us had a wonderful time seeing friends and family and even got to indulge in some Rita’s Water Ice! The kids were amazed at the tolls and couldn’t believe we were paying money to drive on the roads. Stacy picked up her accent again, even if it was short lived. I enjoyed hearing the Jersey come out in her.
The folks at Calvary Baptist Church shared many encouraging stories with us about how the Lord used us in their lives to walk closer to Jesus. It was simply amazing and heart-warming to see these believers stand fast in their professions of faith. We were blessed by their testimonies and this helped us catch a glimpse of what God can do if we remain faithful in the Pacific Northwest. Reminders and recalibration are often essential to moving ahead. I am reminded of John the Baptist and his question to Jesus; art thou he? Or do we wait for another? Sometimes we need those words of confirmation, especially when the enemy is fighting. I won’t give all the details, but we left there with full assurance that our labor is not in vain in the Lord!
During our visit to another supporting church, Stacy’s family attended the services where we sang, and I preached. The Lord moved during the service and afterward I had the opportunity to talk to someone we have known for many years. In fact, we have tried, in the past, to share the Gospel with this person but they always seemed standoffish when the subject was brought up. On this particular Sunday, they were ready and made a profession of faith with much joy. Stay tuned for more on this in the future as we trust the Lord for spiritual growth and maturity.
The Lord has answered a very important prayer request, at least temporarily; by way of a family who is committed to joining our services for one year. Our attendance has been low for about one year now, and this couple, along with their three children have volunteered to help our church for one year while maintaining membership in their local church. Their fellowship has already been a blessing, and we trust the Lord will use this decision to further the gospel ministry of Anchor Baptist Church. We are planning a special Gospel Meeting July 9-12 and would love to have your help. If you are interested, or would like to financially support the meeting, please contact me!