Stories from the Fields

E. POESTENKILL, NY

vmoffice — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:49:33 +0000

Praise God for His working in several areas that opened opportunities to share His grace. We have always been aware that our days are ordered by God, but the events of the last couple of weeks really emphasize this.

My new patient doctor’s appointment felt like a waste of time, but God had other things in mind. We went to a restaurant for lunch after the appointment; while there, we began talking to a family at the next table. They’d just lost everything in a fire, including their dog. We had seen the event on the local news, and in fact, the man was a hero. We told them of Christ’s love and invited them to church. Just as they went out the door, I remembered that we had one of our spaghetti baskets in our car. Valerie, who runs fast, got to them in time and gave it to them. They were very appreciative, and now have the gospel of John and a brochure with the gospel in it. Dan & Valerie Waugh

Paul & Glenda Burns, Burley, WA

vmoffice — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:28:59 +0000

We rejoice in the many people that God is bringing to Burley Bible Church. A highlight was 5 baptisms on April 15: four adults and 1 child.

The 9-year-old girl has attended our Christian School since preschool; it was her 1^st-grade teacher who led her to the Lord.

A young mother had been saved as a teenager and wanted to follow the Lord in baptism. A young man had trusted Christ as a teen but walked away from the Lord. He wanted to recommit his life to Christ and be baptized as a symbol of his new resolve to follow the Lord Jesus.

The most thrilling testimonies came from a couple who began attending church last November. They had been experiencing some real trials in their lives, which brought them to the end of self to realize they needed the Lord. In October he was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. They were invited to try our church by one of our church families. By January they had both given their hearts to the Lord. There were many tears of joy throughout the congregation that day as we heard their testimonies and saw their baptism.

Chris & Tammy Immer, Lummi Island, WA

vmoffice — Tue, 01 May 2012 18:37:34 +0000

Our Theology class on Sunday nights has been a great time of growth in the lives of the four students. After last week’s discussion of the doctrine of angels, I received a 6-part email with great questions that were very thoughtful. It is always such an encouragement when people get excited about the Word and want to know what it says and means.

PENDLETON, NY

vmoffice — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:40:32 +0000

I’ve been doing a Bible study in the Gospel of John with a group of elderly folks for about a year. We meet twice a month at a housing complex for seniors; two of the ladies are from our church. Through that study, another lady started to come to church with them as well. But what has been really neat is that some of those who recently started coming to the study have never looked into the Bible for themselves. They may have been in “church” but have trouble finding the Gospel of John in the Bible (One didn’t possess a Bible, so she was given one). What a joy to see them not just with an open Bible, but reading out loud with an eagerness to learn more. At an age where many are not open to “change,” it has been so refreshing to see the Spirit of God producing change in their lives. May God continue to use His Word and the believers there to bring many to Christ! Eric & Helen Roselund

Rob & Linda Dore, Yale, WA

vmoffice — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:23:42 +0000

We finished the first quarter of Servants Bible School in March. The response from our 12 students was very positive, and we continue to be encouraged and optimistic about this effort to train disciples for service in the church of Jesus Christ.

We also have several weekly Bible studies in our community that neither Linda nor I started, but rather different saints here in the church. They asked for recommendations of study material and gathered groups to study God’s Word. Younger moms get together in one of those studies, and we’re hearing that these young women are inviting their friends and neighbors to join them. Recently, one of these young families began attending on Sunday mornings. It is exciting to see God’s people reach out to invite their neighbors to come and “check it out!”

Steve & Sharon Waite, Wytopitlock, ME

vmoffice — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:39:43 +0000

We all enjoyed a pizza and movie night at the church with the youth groups and Sunday School kids combined. We were pleased with the attendance, but something else happened that evening that tops the toppings on the pizza! A young man came and talked to me about a scare he had while working at his job in a sawmill. He said he wasn’t sure if he would have been killed in this “close call,” but one thing was sure…he was afraid of dying! He confessed he was tired of the partying and drinking and wanted to change. I shared several verses of scripture with him concerning sin, death, heaven, peace, and forgiveness. He prayed to trust Christ as his Savior!! I could see an immediate relief on his face and in his voice. He found out what true happiness is all about. Pray that he would stand tall and strong and that his new “light” would be attractive to his friends too!

Howard & Nancy Carr, Moxie, PA

vmoffice — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:47:49 +0000

Our Awana program has ended for the year. Our Awana Sunday was a great time; we gave out awards and plaques to those who earned them. This year was very successful; we had a great group of leaders and helpers. Praise the Lord! A lot of Awana families came to see their kids receive awards they’d earned from memorizing and completing their books. We also had a great Palm Sunday. We’re having our dedication of our church on the 21^st and we’re preparing for that.

Joe & Karla Beard, McCleary, WA

vmoffice — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:46:34 +0000

We’ve begun to make solid plans for the Teen Bible Study. A name was adopted: “Teens Chasing God.” There’s a lot of excitement among our teens that this has been started. Also, Sunday afternoon a lady brought her son over so Karla could explain the Gospel to him. Karla had the delight of leading him to faith in Jesus Christ!

Ocean Park, WA

vmoffice — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 17:17:43 +0000

Tick-Tock! Where’s the flock? Spring Ahead…it’s not a shock! Still, every year folks come for Sunday School, but actually make it in time for church, and the funny thing is, they’ve been doing it for years. It may have some kind of subconscious effect, though. Praise singing was extra strong, attentiveness to the Word was simply “compelling,” and the call to respond to the ministry of the Word wrought five decisions to either trust Christ, or recommit to His Lordship in life. It was an encouragement for those who’ve been praying for God’s Holy Spirit to “move” in our midst…so, that’s a blessing. Marty & Cindy Cole

Hillside, OR

vmoffice — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:31:18 +0000

The premarital counseling that I started a few weeks ago has yielded eternal rewards, with the young man accepting the Lord as his Savior. We are so happy and excited for them. The Lord is so good to give us the right words at the right time, and to prepare their hearts to hear the truth from the Word of God. This young man got to see his first answer to prayer! He had no job; we prayed, and God has given him a wonderful job, even without a high school degree. Tim & Bonnie Goold