The Gale’s Tales
December 2022 Ministry Update
Ecc 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might;
Work, work, work! The work continues with no end in sight. Yes, there is much work that we have done and there is still very much work to do.
In Sunday school I am teaching basic systematic theology. In the worship service, I just began a Christmas series. Dayle is still teaching Philippians in the women’s Bible study. We minister to the people any way we can and we attend community events when they occur. We have had a Thanksgiving fellowship with a like-minded church in the next town 30 miles to the north.
The not-so-easy part is the constant work on the building and property. There is much-planned maintenance which we can accomplish as time permits. Since our last update letter, I have had to be a plumber repairing leaking faucets and drains. Replaced two sinks in the church bathrooms and replaced the kitchen faucet. I have been an electrician and wired in and installed a parking lot light and changed several worn-out electric sockets throughout the building. We have painted the pastor’s study and are about to paint the nursery and the library. And there are many, many other little projects that have been done. Some only take a minute or two and others much longer. Outdoor work is never-ending but it has slowed down now that freezing temperatures have arrived. . But with everything we do we are thankful to the Lord for using us here in Orovada.
We did manage to get away for a few days in November and drive to Sacramento to spend a few days with Stephen and Neeley and the kids. I also drove back to Port Angeles (an 11-hour drive) to get a bunch of tools that I will be needing around here.
On November 8th, if you remember, our grandchildren Asher and Autumn had undergone kidney surgery. Autumn donated a kidney to her older brother. Both have fully recovered. Asher is like a new man. We praise the Lord for the successful outcome
The Christmas season is here. The ladies decorated the church's interior and I put up lights on the exterior. We love this time of year. We love all the decorations, the parties, the fellowship, the cookies, and candies, etc. But this year is a bit different. We had to cancel our church Christmas party because almost everyone in the church has the flu. Last Sunday's service was poorly attended because of it. This is making things kind of lonely around here. I suppose this is one drawback of a small town. We are praying that everyone will be better for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
What the future holds for us is still unknown. I have just listed the Pastoral position on the IFCA website and we continue to pray for the Lord to send us the right man and wife for this church. There is still much repair and remodeling that needs to be done to the parsonage, but I thought it would be best to start the search process now.
As far as our children and grandchildren all are doing quite well. Our granddaughter, Autumn, will be going to Montana Bible College in January and our grandson, Aiden, plans to join her there in August. This will make Jason and Shelli empty-nesters. Pray for them all.
Stephen and Neeley, in Sacramento, are thinking about making a move if the right job becomes available.
Mel and Annie are moving to Hayes, Virginia the first of January. Mel was born and raised in Grants Pass, Oregon but he is ready to make a career change and leave Oregon. They will manage a large vacation rental property on the banks of the York River. They are currently packing up and downsizing in preparation to move. Their eldest son, A.J. will be staying in Grants Pass as he pursues a career as an outdoorsman and river guide. Their other son, Andy (Bug), is in the U.S. Army currently going through Ranger training.
Dayle and I are doing quite well. We are just very busy most of the time. Health-wise, we both are doing great! Although I do miss my hot tub spa which keeps my back feeling good. But we love being used by the Lord and are always amazed at how He always meets our physical and financial needs.
Prayer Requests:
~ Please pray for all of our children as each one is contemplating major changes in their lives.
~ Please continue to pray for this church and its future pastor and wife.
We would love to hear from you from time to time so please don’t hesitate to send us a note.
Serving our great God and Savior,
Shelley and Dayle
If you would like to financially support this ministry you may send support to:
Northwest Independent Church Extension PO Box 2225, Sumner, WA 98390, and put our name in the memo.
Or simply go to the NICE website at https://nicechurchplanters.org/donate/
