Archive for February, 2009

We’re in the Calgary recreation area, with a gorgeous view of the Rockies on the western horizon; the rolling landscape is dotted with stands of poplar and evergreens. Most folks are in farming or the oil/gas industry. Our church just celebrated its 50^th anniversary, and we minister to a growing congregation of 90-110 on an average Sunday. Pray for the leadership to have strength and wisdom to guide God’s family, and for our family to have strength, love, and encouragement for each other. Pray for me as I work to develop a strong visitation ministry. Ask God to protect and strengthen us against the attacks of Satan and those who want to see this church fail & fall. Ask God to use Garrington to impact Bowden, Olds, Sundre, Caroline, Eagle Hill, and the surrounding area.

Wesley is in Washing County, the most eastern county in the U.S. It’s in “Blueberry Country” with a freezer plant less than ¼-mile from the church. Logging & mill work are the basic industries. Raking blueberries and making Christmas wreaths provide seasonal work; however, the blueberry industry is becoming more and more automated. The high hills on Route 9 are a challenge to the many tractor-trailers going through town, but they also provide beautiful views miles in the distance. Pray for community outreach, for souls to trust Christ, and more folks to be faithful in church attendance. Praise God for the family spirit and willingness to help those in need.

On the state line of the northern border of WI and the Upper Peninsula of MI, the town’s name was once (appropriately) State Line. This resort area has about 1100 permanent residents; summer residents increase the numbers considerably. Any outdoor activity imaginable can be enjoyed here in any season. A special challenge in this area is depression from poverty due to lack of gainful employment and overall hopelessness. It’s not uncommon for people to work four jobs to make ends meet, causing weak family atmospheres. Many social events revolve around alcohol. The greatest need is for the Light of the Son of God to shine in their hearts, and that they may be saved through Christ the Lord. Land O’ Lakes Bible Church has served this area for 42 years and is one of four churches in this town. Village Missions has served this church for 15 years. One outreach is Open Gym, where kids can play basketball & volleyball, have a snack, and study the Word. The kids in the area anticipate this during the school year; it has been a foundation for much more ministry in the area. Pray that we’ll be a best influence to our community for the Gospel, that we as a family would live worthy of the Gospel, and for opportunity to declare the Gospel. Pray for the preservation of unity in the Body; this is a sweet group of people with a genuine love for God that spills over in their lives to serve others throughout the community.

We’ve ministered in this four-season resort area since May 2008. Forestry & tourism are the main employers; both are suffering from the economic downturn. Recently 5 people were baptized, which was very encouraging. We also started Sunday school recently, after 15 years without it.  New people from the community come to check us out regularly, and some stay.  There is a real interest in growing in the faith and working together to reach out to the lost in our area. Pray for: (1) discipleship to bear fruit in willingness to use gifts for the Lord; (2) Sunday school to reach our “Jerusalem” as children & adults from the neighborhood come; (3) a desire to do VBS and reach out to neighborhood children this summer; and (4) an increased burden to reach the 2000+ people in the community of Marysville.