Since our December update and all the ministry during Christmas, we have been getting back into the swing of regular ministry. We had two good Christmas services with visitors at both. In Kemmerer, we had a record high number of volunteers participating in Scripture readings and special music. In Cokeville, we were pleasantly surprised to have three generations of a local LDS family come join us for our Christmas service. The matriarch and patriarch of this family brought some of their grandchildren to the last day of VBS this past summer, and stayed during the whole time, hearing the Gospel. Pray that their hearts would be drawn to the truth!
A praise for those who have not heard: after many years of appointments and no communication, the VA finally got James some hearing aids on the Tuesday before our Christmas services. This proved a challenge, as it takes some time to get used to them, especially for singing or leading music. But God has been good, and James has adapted well to them. Noisy environments can still be an issue, but he is having to guess less about what people are saying. We are also grateful to report that Elizabeth finally seems to be over her stubborn infection, and has gotten good reports from many of her doctors over the past month.
After our Christmas services, we (especially James!) enjoyed nearly 2 weeks at home, other than regular church services and Bible Study. We were on the road a lot toward the end of last year for multiple medical appointments, and for James’ work as a chaplain to several oil and gas companies, and were very grateful for the time to rest and recharge at home and just be together.
In January, we sent out our annual letter to those who financially support the ministry here in Wyoming. We give thanks to God for all that He has accomplished through the financial support and prayers of each of you. Please continue praying for those we are ministering to in Cokeville.
BR continues to show signs of being drawn to Christ. The other night, after Bible study, they mentioned that their Bible app notifies them to read the Bible every morning and evening, which is a big shift from when we began ministering to them. James simply asked if they took those opportunities to read the Bible. They said sometimes, and were receptive to ways to read through the Bible or listen to sermons as they drive around. Pray for C&J to get past their own works, get fed up with the false-teaching denomination they are attending, and not only return to church services but be saved. Pray for B, as they are dealing with some eye issues and their family is having a lot of medical problems; but beyond the physical needs, B also needs to leave the false-teaching denomination and be saved. Pray for R&R to have their eyes opened to the truth and be saved. Pray for RG to be saved and to stop trusting themself. Pray for our moms (LC and BC) and their families. They have had a lot of sickness recently, and have missed church frequently in the past few months.
In Kemmerer, we continue to minister with the Hartmans. The church continues to grow steadily, to the point that over the last year, we were able to begin a teen Sunday School class as well as a teen boys' time during the week when the weather permits. Wednesday night Bible Study has grown as well, with a dozen or so ladies regularly coming, and 5-7 men besides James and Pastor. Please pray that we will have wisdom about expanding and/or adjusting our current church building in Kemmerer to meet all these needs.
Last fall, James finished up teaching through Colossians in adult Sunday School (in Kemmerer) and began a series through the Sermon on the Mount. He has been teaching the same material to our state inmates on Monday nights, plus preaching through it in Cokeville on Sundays.
With the change of the year, we are starting to plan ahead for VBS this summer and for Kemmerer and Cokeville, as well as for this fall and our mission board’s annual fellowship meeting. There are many other things as well in the normal progress of life and ministering the Gospel. Pray with us, that all we plan and do this year will bring glory to God!