I promised myself that I would
not let summer get so busy or
plan too many projects, but it
seems that never works out. I
mentioned in the previous letter
that we acquired a baptistery
for free, and now we are
installing it and building
changing romps on each side of
it for modesty. We will run all
the plumbing to a location
directly below that was an old
restroom in the building in
years past. We are also
finishing some outdoor projects
relating to the finishing of the
handicap ramp to the basement.
We are thankful to have received
our final approval from the
building department of our city.
Those are things that can go any
way, but the Lord directs them
in His will. If time permits, I
have found a source for
high-efficiency replacement
furnaces that I would like to
install before winter.
Brother Ryan Austin has been
also busy preaching lately. I
would ask you to pray for him as
he seeks secular employment for
his financial needs. We also
have one other member seeking
full time employment. As many of
you know, the economy in
Michigan has been bad for some
time. I am thankful to announce
that I passed all new
requirements for the residential
builders license. I've been told
that it is a terrible time to do
such a thing, but I have been
busy with handyman work. For
many years I have sought to
acquire a license, but have not
felt the liberty to do so. I
thank the Lord for helping me in
this, and hope also to pass a
trade to my sons.
If the Lord allows, I will
supplement my income and perhaps
employ some others in this
economy. The apostle Paul said
"these hands have ministered
unto my necessities, and to them
that were with me." It is my
desire to become completely self
sufficient so that mission
support may be used for others -
we have many aged preachers that
I hope our fellowships may
honor, as well as some others in
difficult positions. (Continue
also to pray for the church in
Traverse City and for Brother
Graber as he seeks to sell his
home.) I know also that the
Lord may at any moment prosper
our church further in every way.
They are very good to us. I
believe that a church's pastor
is their first priority, but I
also want to position the church
in every way for the future. So
occasionally I ask that they
direct the funds toward
maintenance (especially energy
saving improvements) that will
pay back long term.
In most church covenants as well
as ours we find the word
"Engage" and Paul used the word
"Endeavor". I am thankful for
those who have engaged and
endeavored in prayer, in
support, and in labor for
missions. It is clear that Satan
wants our churches through,
financial discouragement,
temptations, and division. We
are here because the Lord
planted a church here by His
grace, but Revelation 2 cautions
us that our future existence as
a body may depend on
"overcoming" difficulties. We
are excited, yet cautiously
aware. Thank you again for your
continued help. Pray that the
Lord may soon prosper us to also
be a help to others as ye have
us.
