Dear Church,

The atmospheric rivers continue to pound the Pacific Northwest, and the resulting mudslides have made national news. Thankfully, the reservoirs are full, and there has been no flooding near our home. We are also blessed and abounding in the Lord—thanks in no small part to your faithful prayers, financial support, and notes of encouragement. Above all, the God of Heaven has answered prayers, met our needs, and sent visitors and encouragement throughout the month of November.

Some time ago, I asked you to pray for a couple who had fallen out of regular church attendance. We were burdened by their absence but are grateful to report that they have returned and have attended several services since. The Lord has also blessed Anchor Baptist Church with several first-time visitors and strong attendance. At present, we have three couples from the community attending semi-regularly, one faithful elderly gentleman, our family, and one family from Beaver Falls Baptist Church who comes regularly to be an encouragement. With cautious optimism, I can say attendance is in the best condition I can recall.

This is a crucial season in the life of the church plant, and I ask you to pray for cohesion and unity. This is likely the fifth group of this size we have seen, and each time we reach this point, the devil seeks to divide. Even so, we are encouraged by God’s calling to continue reaching people with the Gospel and making disciples.

I was also greatly encouraged by an anonymous gift from one of our supporting churches, which covered my expenses for the Northwest Men’s Retreat in November. The fellowship was refreshing, and Evangelist Paul Schwanke did an outstanding job expounding the Scriptures and challenging us to keep the faith and live godly lives. I was truly blessed by the retreat. Please pray that God will richly bless those who sacrificed to encourage me.

Please remember to pray for our revival meeting scheduled for March 12–15, for the needs of our family and church, for our son Gabriel as he courts a very special young lady, and that souls will be saved and the church will soon become self-supporting.