Thank you for your continued support through your prayers on our behalf. Over the last month, we have actually gotten more moisture and possibly more snow than we got all winter. We are thankful for the moisture, but ask you to pray that God would give us more through a wet spring and periodic rain throughout the summer, both to provide necessary food for the many wild and ranch animals, but also to prevent large-scale wildfires this summer. We are also thankful for the safety James has had in driving, as one of the last Tuesdays, he drove through some whiteout conditions to get home from Bible Study. And on an early Thursday morning, while he was heading out to do a chaplain visit, he drove through similar conditions and the road changed quickly from clear to covered with ice and snow. He ended up spinning out - but into a pullout on the highway, sliding safely to a halt, staring at the road he had just been traveling on. In all this, God protected him, for which we give thanks.
Not much has changed on the building issues since our last letter. We are still seeking God’s guidance about a meeting place in Cokeville, the expansion or purchase of a building in Kemmerer, and our house search.
Over the past several weeks in Kemmerer, we have had a new family with several teen and middle school girls start attending both Sunday School and church. With these additions to the teen class the Hartmans teach, we are already starting to outgrow the extra class room that has not yet been added to the interior of the building. We rejoice with the Hartmans over this “problem” and ask you to pray even more earnestly with us for God’s direction.
We also ask you to pray more for LC and BS and their children to return to attending services regularly. The other week, one of them commented on the busyness of spring, that maybe they needed to find a church that meets in the morning instead of the afternoon. With the ministry we have in Kemmerer, changing our service time to the morning is not a possibility, and the only “churches” in town that meet in the morning are the LDS and Episcopal. Pray with us that the upcoming VBS season will help us reconnect with these ladies and their families, and encourage them with the importance of not neglecting assembling together.
Continue to pray with us about the salvation of BR, RG, J&C, CH, B, and R&R. James has had more good conversations with BR, and they now confess to believing God created the world. This is a big step from where they were before, and as Hebrews 11 reminds us, faith begins with God created the world. As James has now reached preaching through the 6th Beatitude on the pure in heart, there have already been several messages addressing the depth of our sinfulness, directly confronting the self-deception we all have concerning our own goodness. Pray that BR and the others listening will be driven to Christ.
As we mentioned, VBS season is just about here. We are already ramping up for it in Kemmerer, and Cokeville will not be far behind. Please pray with us that this ministry will be effective, that children will be saved and whole families drawn to the truth and church. Our theme this year is Psalm 23 and God as our Shepherd, paired with the geographic location of Ireland and the animals there.
In preparation for VBS in Cokeville, we will have a team from IBCS coming through at the beginning of July to help James pass out VBS invitations and do music in the park again. Pray that we can get an affordable electric piano or borrow one for the use of the team as they come and minister. Pray also for the turnout at the music in the park event, especially as we plan a clear Gospel presentation.
Our health is holding steady, as far as we know; but coming up, Elizabeth will have her regular specialist appointment for her long-term illness, and her labs will reflect whether another infusion is needed at this time. Pray for continued remission for her, so she would be able to help with VBS at both churches this summer.
Finally, if you or a believer you know works in law enforcement and would like to live in a quiet town, advance your career, and help a church plant, the town of Cokeville is looking for a new Police Chief. Contact the town of Cokeville to apply: https://www.cokevillewy.gov.
We are thankful for all of you praying on our behalf and we look forward to the ministry opportunites over the coming months!