Stories from the Fields

Renovo, PA

vmoffice — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:09:23 +0000

The Bible study that started last summer with just three people has now grown to eight, and each person shows a sincere desire to grow closer to Jesus. What a blessing it is to see individuals taking steps toward maturing in Christ! Rusty & Mandy Blessard

YAMPA, CO

vmoffice — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:05:07 +0000

A local young man with a heart for the youth stepped up to ask if he could fill our Youth Worker position. This position is unpaid, oft-overlooked, overworked, and vastly judged, but we offered him the position anyway. All kidding aside, it is a blessing to see young men step up with no selfish motives and a true love for Jesus Christ. Matt & Shari Froah

Sebeka, MN

vmoffice — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:39:26 +0000

I took a couple of days and visited our partial shut-ins (those elderly folks who don’t venture out in the winter except for an occasional visit to the church on a given Sunday). One couple I visit about 6 times a year always puts out a spread of goodies. The woman, who is in her eighties, simply loves to bake, and she makes some of the most delicious treats. But the greatest joy that I receive is upon leaving, because she will always follow me out the door and let me know just how much she appreciates the visits, which at times can last 3-4 hours, but it is her mention of how much it means to her husband that gets me the most. This is because he is a very soft-spoken man and it’s through his wife that he communicates his heart. I just smile and reassure her I’ll be back again soon, which brings the biggest smile on the face of anyone I’ve ever seen. It’s amazing that something as simple as a visit, with some time of prayer and Bible reading, can encourage people so much. It is one of my greatest thrills of being in Village Missions. David & Valerie Wing

Yale, WA

vmoffice — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:04:54 +0000

I began my internship here in January, which was an exciting month for me as I finally started to do some practical ministry. One exciting thing that I’m doing is a Young Adult Study, which meets every Friday night at 7. So far there are 7 people coming: three young married couples and one single guy. We’re studying the “Truth Project” by Focus on the Family. Wow! What an eye-opener for the whole group. It has been challenging their worldview and what they believe or think they believe. I’m already starting to see spiritual growth! Also, I have started a Youth Band for the kids in the Youth Group. I had ten kids show up ready to play. It is interesting and exciting to be able to help a group of beginning junior high/high school kids start to play music to worship the King. Shawn Senner, Intern

Bliss, ID

vmoffice — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:05:37 +0000

Being in ministry long enough to become “grandparent pastors” is a wonderful transition. Vicki and I get to be the spiritual spoilers to a lot of kids in Sunday school and Awana. Anytime we sit down there are kids on our laps, or when we walk to the school gym for Awana games we have a brood around us, and maybe one on my shoulders. Because our own grandkids live away from here, this meets a need in our lives, but it also ministers to kids who live in homes wrecked by sin and strife. We get to use our closeness with kids to share spiritual truth. I spent time with two first-graders who’d been in Awana all year but weren’t ready to give their lives to Jesus yet. As we talked about the verse, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved,” both were ready. It is great to be grandparents, but it’s even better to be spiritual grandparents and give eternal truth to eager hearts. Bill & Vicki Devena

Arago, OR

vmoffice — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:14:08 +0000

God works to give us blessings in the midst of adversity. While we were at the hospital with a church member one Sunday, we felt we could leave him long enough to attend a local church service for morning worship. We never get to be in Eugene on Sundays. We decided to attend Emerald Bible Fellowship. We chose that church because Sandy’s first teaching job was in this area years ago. She taught 2^nd grade. One of her students was our pastor’s son and the ring bearer in our wedding. Well, that same boy is now the pastor of the church we attended that Sunday! What a joy to see God work in the lives of children. Sandy remembers when he helped lead a girl to receive Christ on the playground 25 years ago, and to see him pastoring a church now was a real blessing. Tom & Sandy Morris

Broadbent, OR

vmoffice — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:55:39 +0000

The church photo copier was officially pronounced dead. A trustee took it to Coos Bay for repair; the copier was beyond repair and replacement would have cost $800.00. The trustee consulted a man at church that has a technical/computer background regarding the features we needed on a new copier. That very day, this man’s employer was considering disposing of a used copier. The employer donated the used yet perfectly serviceable copier to the church. Praise God for His provision! Jeff & Troy May

BRIDGE, OR

vmoffice — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:06:13 +0000

On Christmas Day my family and several other people from our church went caroling at the senior facility in town. We sang for the first lunch session, went to the rooms of those who don’t leave their room, and then sang for the second lunch session. I don’t know who was more blessed; the residents there alone on Christmas Day, those of us who got to share a special moment, or the staff who have seen us as the only group to come on Christmas – and about the only visitors. One woman who was in her room absolutely lit up with joy when we came in, especially to see a trio of little girls singing about Christ just for her. She was bright and cheery, but had no legs. It was a very sobering time for our group; to see all the lonely, lovely people on such a day really brought home the true meaning of Christ’s gift. Andy & Stacy Taylor

CLINTON, OH

vmoffice — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:59:11 +0000

We are encouraged by the new emphasis on prayer in our church. I’ve started a new series on prayer for our Sunday morning worship. We also dedicate the first Wednesday of each month for prayer alone. We don’t have our regular Bible study during that time and focus on spiritual needs. We trust God will use our movement in this direction. Mark & Donna Archer

Sauvie Island, OR

vmoffice — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:21:41 +0000

We are enjoying a very positive atmosphere these days. Newer folks are getting connected. The body is sharing burdens together. One young man has been here for about 8 years and eventually found his way to our doors. Our son Nathan will be heading back for his 2^nd term @ Ecola Bible School. Our ladies finished their “Experiencing God” study and thoroughly enjoyed it. Several who have attended these Bible studies over the last couple of years have now started to attend our morning worship services – they understand their need to be connected to the body! The rest of our ministries are plugging along – step by step – with joy and enthusiasm. The Lord has graciously blessed us and we have been able to share those blessings with others, financially & spiritually. Russ & Linda Richardson