Archive for December, 2008

It’s really fun being at a church for a long time. We get to see how people grow in their relationship with God and with one another. A lady in the church accepted the Lord a little short of 2 years ago. She had lived in the community for years but wasn’t “very religious.” Anyway, she asked Jesus into her heart and it’s been really good seeing her grow. She loves the Lord and the church family, and she found a place to serve – she helps every Sunday with our elderly members. And she just shines! A little more news…a few weeks ago a lady called from town and wanted to know our service hours. She showed up for worship on Sunday and we got to talk with her about her relationship to Christ. She said she’d asked Jesus into her heart years ago. She brought her little daughter with her, and they even stayed for Sunday school! After visiting three Sundays, she wanted to tell me a little more about herself. She asked if I would baptize her little girl, who also loves Jesus, and if I would baptize her boyfriend. I told her I would love to talk to both of them. Nancy and I are praying for this opportunity to yield some fruit. Tom & Nancy Stroud

While waiting for his ride home from Awana, I talked to an 11-year-old who had questions about church. “Is it a sin not to go to church?”  “No,” I said, “but it’s a place where we can learn more about Jesus and also get encouragement.”  “When is church anyway, and what do you do?”  “It’s on Sunday mornings and you can take notes on the sermon and then go somewhere special with the pastor after 6 papers.” “Wow, I want to do that!” he exclaimed. Even though we haven’t seen him yet, there was a seed planted, and we hope to see him again soon.  Randy & Lisa Picklesimer

My father very unexpectedly passed away November 26, only 10 days after discovering that he had cancer. I had four days with my dad in the hospital – all good days. I saw the Lord bless my dad, my family, and me and in so many ways in those last four days that I have only praise to give to my Lord. My father was 76 years old; he was no theologian, but he told me several times that knowing Christ was the most important decision anyone could make. My father asked me to come pray with him and the rest of our family. I still remember his hearty amen at the end of the prayer. He quoted his favorite verse, John 3:16. As I was sitting by my dad’s bed, my mother went over and gave him two kisses, and my father told my mother that he loved her very much; they had been married 54 years. I still remember seeing the incredible peace in my father’s eyes as he spoke to the grandchildren and tried to encourage them not to get too upset over what was taking place. My father has always supported me in going into ministry and was always proud that I was serving the Lord. He understood the sacrifice we were willing to make to follow the Lord wherever He wants us. I was given the greatest of honors to do my father’s entire funeral. I had promised the Lord that I would honor my father but glorify the Lord Jesus Christ; 350 people came to my father’s funeral, and I used John 3:16 and 17 to bring the message of salvation and hope to those who came. I know many unchurched people came, and I know the Lord met with people that day. I will never forget how God gave strength to powerfully proclaim His Son to everyone that day. I just praise the Lord for all that He accomplishes through each and every one of us. I’d like to thank all of you who have been praying for me and my family.  All of us in Christ rejoice. Joe & Margaret Giesbrecht

We had our Thanksgiving celebration on November 23^rd, and God blessed with over 220 people in attendance! It was a powerful worship service, filled with music, testimonies, and a definite “attitude of gratitude” for God’s goodness to us. We followed up the service with a delicious Thanksgiving dinner – it was an amazing day! Out of this special celebration, it is with great gratitude and great joy that we were able to send an offering to Village Missions; it is our prayer that God will use that gift to continue the important task of Keeping Country Churches Alive! Craig & Shelley Curtis

The mother of a lady here is dying of cancer and is resigned to that fact. Her daughter led her to Christ while she was in the hospital. We met for lunch to discuss her funeral arrangements, and ended up visiting for two hours. I was able to clarify some aspects of her new belief and even pray with her, and at the end she gave me a big hug. Later her daughter said, with tears, that I would never know what a miracle it was that her mother would open up to me the way she did, and how much it meant to have the assurance that her mother’s faith was genuine. We continue to pray for God’s comfort and strength in her last days, and that her husband will be drawn to Christ. Eric & Pam Bearden