This was a week of two firsts!
Last Sunday was the first time I was not able to make it to the local church destination in over six years. The roads were icy and hazardous and it was not advisable to travel in the central part of the state because of the combination of snow, sleet, and ice on the roadways. So, Baker Street got a reprieve and Reenie and I dug out enough to make it to Lakeshore. As many of you know, Lakeshore, since its beginning, has set up church somewhere. This Sunday morning the truck was stuck, so they did “unplugged” church. Pastor David Treloar is doing a series of messages through Advent, looking at Christmas through the eyes of different people in the story. This week’s was through the eyes of a man, particularly Joseph’s. The message ended up at “grace”. Joseph showed an incredible amount of grace to Mary by accepting her and sharing the shame the community must have had for a woman who was pregnant and not married. It was also an unexpected opportunity to connect with a man and his family who are looking at joining the Wesleyan church and pursuing the call to ministry. They are looking to join Lakeshore and become part of the team.
The second “first” was on Wednesday. Richard Concklin and I were headed to Eau Claire early to meet with the Nicaragua Partnership committee at 10 AM. We got there around 11:15 AM. Again, in the more than six years and almost 300,000 miles, this is the first time I have encountered a significant traffic issue that delayed me from arriving significantly late to a meeting.
I feel so fortunate in so many ways to have had the opportunity to work with wonderful pastors and churches, people who are passionate and committed to the cause. I feel so blessed to have had the protection and care of the Lord in the travels. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity of traveling to many different places and work with colleagues all over the United States and Canada in helping to build the kingdom. I am so blessed to have a wife that understands and blesses me with her supportive attitude and spirit every day. I am so blessed to have a team of leaders in Wisconsin who care about what we’re trying to do and are joining in the work.
Nicaragua Scholarships Needed!!!
The annual Nicaragua Pastor’s training seminar in January is coming soon and we need scholarships for this event again this year. Please encourage your church or individuals to sponsor a pastor or key lay leader. The cost is $300 per student. Please send your donations by January 7th to the partnership treasurer: Irene Tripp, E 15912 State Hwy. 33, P.O. Box 388, Hillsboro, WI 54634. Thank you for your investment in helping build the leadership in Nicaragua.
Prayer
Praise – Shelley Berry, wife of District Superintendent Dan Berry, who has been in a coma for almost three months now, is beginning to show very positive signs of response and cognitive thinking. They are very encouraged that she is beginning to wake up.
Continue to pray for Sand Lake and Janesville as they are searching for their next pastor and leader. Remember Gary Maness and Richard Concklin as they serve as interim pastors.
Remember to pray for the SetApart07 Youth Convention coming up the end of this month. Pray for the thousands of youth and adult sponsors as they raise the final money, as they travel and that God would call hundreds of missionaries to North America and other countries. Pray that hundreds would make life-changing commitments to complete surrender to live by the will and moral standards of God.
Pray for the churches and the outreach events during Advent. Pray that people whose hearts are open during this time of year will hear the real message of Christmas – God’s love expressed through His Son, Jesus.
Calender
December 9……………………... Darrow Rd visit
December 11……………………... Dialogues
December 13……………………... Hayward Bd and dialogues
December 14..........................Dialogues
December 16……………………... Hales Corners
December 18……………………... Dialogues
December 23……………………... Drop in visit
December 27-31…………………. SetApart 07
December 27-January 2..........Vacation
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