Team Wisconsin Update 1-9-08

Hillsboro, along with about every other church in southwestern Wisconsin, got majorly snowed out on Christmas Sunday, December 23. So, they did their special Christmas musical presentation on January 6. They did a great job. They even let me preach. It was a very good day with Pastor Roger and Cathy Miller, Pastor Russell and Margaret Wooten and the congregation. I also had the privilege of meeting with their board on Saturday evening. Pastor Miller has been at Hillsboro for 18 years now and has given good leadership to the congregation. About 5 years ago the local high school principal, a board member, started a new ministry to the community. The Wesleyan church was the primary sponsor. They began to serve a free community dinner at Christmas. The first years were held at the church, but it has grown from 100 to 450 and they are now using the local high school. Churches and businesses have gotten involved, donating turkeys and other food. Kudos to Pastor Miller and the congregation.

Thank you

I want to say a big thank you to all of the individuals and local churches that have given to provide scholarships for the annual Pastor’s Training week in Nicaragua. Also, scholarships for the ongoing Theological Education of pastors and leaders continues to come in. One special thanks this year goes to one of our newest church plants, Northern Lakes, who is providing money for four students. What is really cool is that a Hispanic church that meets at Northern Lakes donated $300 to help provide education to pastors in Nicaragua. Thanks Kevin O’Connor and congregations.

Connections

As you know, you’ve not received this for a couple of weeks. The Bickels spent several days together over the holidays, both in Indiana and Wisconsin. Two special people are becoming part of us. Brittany Wilson, Brice’s fiancée, was able to spend Christmas in Wisconsin. She got to experience over two feet of snow on the ground and 0 degree weather. Brice and Brittany will be married the end of March. Jackson Daniel arrived on the scene in June to our son Brent and Laura. We had a wonderful time with everyone. One special moment was having a five generation picture with little Jackson Daniel, father Brent, grandma Reenie, great grandpa Edwin Hoover, and great-great grandma Juanita Hoover.

Prayer

We would appreciate your continuing prayers for the search teams of Janesville and Sand Lake churches, vice-chairs Phil and Rudy, and interim pastors Gary and Richard.

Pray for the pastoral training team that will be teaching in Nicaragua next week, January 14-21. Team members include team leader Mark Holmes, Richard and Jan Concklin, Brandon Willis, Dan Bickel and translator Cindy Terry. This team will join with missionaries Mike and Amy Knox, Jim and Julie Eckhardt and Nicaraguan Superintendent Enrique Montenegro.

Calender

January 8………………………….. Dialogues

Safe Harbor Board

Janaury 9……………………………Dialogues

High Point Leadership

January 10………………………….Dialogues

Janaury 13………………………….Pardeeville visit

January 14-21………………………Nicaragua

Pastor’s Training Trip

January 24………………………….Dialogues

Janaury 26……………………………….DBA

January 27-29…………………………..The Getaway

(for all Wisconsin pastors and spouses)