Archive for April, 2008

Things are happening in Seeley Lake. A lady came to us, having problems in her marriage.  Pat and I talked with her, and she prayed to receive Christ.  She and Pat are now doing a one-on-one discipleship program.  A man who is struggling in his marriage is being discipled by a fellow we led to Christ a number of years ago.  Even though these marriages are not instantly better, at least now they are looking in the right direction for answers (Upward). We also got a call from a single man wanting help, so I will be meeting with him.  And, Pat started a program every other Wednesday afternoon for grade-school kids. They get out at 1 p.m. those days, so we’re providing a place for them to go until their parents get off work.  It’s a great way to get to know some of the parents and kids in the school. Ken & Pat Wutzke

We’ve seen lots of new faces in church, and attendance at the prison Saturday night services has increased greatly. We saw three men accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior!  Yet, the greatest blessing has been the men’s Bible study.  The men are on fire and have been coming forward to serve in the church.  Scott & Sandra Simrall

God continues to do a work in this community.  People are attending Bible studies and other activities offered by the church, and we are so encouraged by their desire to do so. While there are only a couple of weeks of Awana remaining, we pray that the kids would finish strong.  God keeps putting people in front of us that we can witness to – pray that we will be faithful to do so.  We praise God for what He has done for each of us, and we thank Him for His continued love and care.   Charlie & Rhonda Hargrove

Village Missionary Mike MacWhinnie, who is suffering from cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy, wrote: “The Easter services were great, and I was able to have the main service.  I talked about our Eternal Home and how we must come to Jesus in faith to have part in the place called Heaven. Two people raised their hands when I gave the invitation.  One was a guest…the other was my daughter!  Mike & Sara MacWhinnie”

I can’t help but think of Paul as he shared a lengthy list of hardships he faced in ministry, and then wrapped up with these words, “Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure of concern for all the churches.  Who is weak without my being weak?  Who is led into sin without my intense concern?” (II Cor. 29, 30)  I think back over our years of ministry and realize that we are so fortunate not to have been shipwrecked, stoned, or beaten with rods. But there is always the pressure of concern…for troubled marriages…struggles with alcohol, pornography, or greed…for people caught up in pet doctrines that draw them away from simple, pure devotion to Christ – and the list goes on.  Then, of course, there is the concern for the lost – how can we reach these people for Christ?  I find myself looking forward to conference; especially having read Brian’s blog.  It looks like it’s time to start advancing on our knees! Del & Colleen Abbey