Wednesday, July 3, 2019

July 2019

Dear Friends and Family,

One of the things that we want to do is send out a newsletter every month.  But it’s been 2 ½ months since our last one.  That’s because we are either very busy or lazy....I think we’ll go with busy.  And busy we have been!

At the end of May we drove down to Southern California to attend my niece Madison’s high school graduation.

After a few days of helping my sister around her house we went to our old church church on Sunday, Grace Community Church. We spent the entire morning at Grace and reconnected with many long time friends.  After the day at church we drove north to our kid’s home in Sacramento where we spent the next 10 days and cared for the grand children while Stephen and Neeley went away for a 4 day trip to celebrate their tenth anniversary.  We had a good time with the kids and we did lots of bicycle riding. Our six year old grandson, Jack, rode about 225 miles with me (Shelley) on the Trail-a-Bike.
 
Dayle and Jack on just a short ride.

We returned home on June 14th driving the entire 800 miles in one day.

The ministry at Sequim Bible Church is a continuing challenge.  But what ministry isn’t?  Myself and the other two pastors are now meeting twice a week.  We are now discussing theological topics as well as working together to be like-minded in ministry.  If the three of us can be unified in direction, purpose, and method then we should be able to lead the rest. This is very exciting and encouraging...please pray for us as we work together for the Lord's glory.

Two weeks ago Pastor Shane finished his office enough to move in and I moved in to his old office.  Here is a picture of my new study.  What a joy it is to have a permanent place to work.


Dayle has jumped in with both feet.  She is the assistant women’s ministry director.  She teaches a mid week women’s Bible study, counsels women, works the welcome center on Sundays, and is one of the church librarians.  She sets up for our Sunday Evening Family bible Study and is ready to help wherever needed.  She also comes to church with me almost every day and never lacks things to do.

Last time I requested prayer for the church’s financial situation.  Finances are still tight but this last quarter we met budget.  This was very encouraging to us as we hope that we have “turned a corner.”  Many of the past problems have gone away and the overall general attitude appears to be more positive.

As far as our monthly support goes, we are still greatly lacking but we are always amazed how the Lord provides.  As of right now we are at about 33% of what is needed.

If you would like to assist us financially please send your donations to:

         Northwest Independent Church Extension
            P.O. Box 2225
            Sumner, WA 98390                Phone: (253) 826-7881

Prayer Requests:
    Please continue to pray for Sequim Bible Church.  Especially for continued unity, love, and growth among the brethren. Pray for the church’s financial situation.
    Pray for continued unity among the three pastors. 
    Pray for Shane, the senior pastor, for wisdom and time to complete all the necessary tasks in front of him (Sermon prep, Seminary courses, counseling, and more.)
    Pray for Patrick, the youth pastor: 1) his wife is about to have their second child. 2) He is having a house built, and 3) pray for his continued rehabilitation.  (Ten years ago at youth camp he broke his neck and has been recovering ever since.  He gets around on crutches and continues to improve through physical therapy although it is a very long process.)