December 2025

Dear Family and Friends, 

This past year has been overflowing with blessings, and we continue to be amazed at how faithfully God cares for us. His promises never fail—He reminds us in Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 

We’ve now been serving permanently at Orovada Community Church in Nevada for two years, and it still feels like a dream. Every day, we pinch ourselves, grateful for the joy of being used by the Lord here. Of course, we know that wherever He places us is exactly where we’re meant to be. As Paul wrote, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content”—and though he wasn’t talking about the state of Nevada, we can truly say we are content here! Life is simple: the nearest store is 45 miles away, and the only “traffic jams” are antelope or cattle crossing the road. 

Our little church is doing well. With only about 100 people living within a 30-mile radius, we regularly welcome 20 worshippers each Sunday—nearly 20% of the community! Few churches can say that. As pastor and wife, much of the maintenance falls to us, but we love the work. Dayle leads the women’s group and weekly Bible study, while I teach Sunday School and lead worship. Often it’s the “Shelley show”—announcements, scripture reading, guitar-led music, and preaching. Our congregation of farmers and ranchers are the hardest-working people we know, often pausing chores to attend church before heading back to the fields. When our pianists are available, their talent is a true gift to our worship. 

Though busy, we make time to explore the mountain canyons and trails nearby. Now in our 70s, we stay active with biking, hiking, and workouts in the small fitness center we’ve set up at the church. By God’s grace, we remain in excellent health. 

Our children have spread out across the country: 

 Jason & Shelli are in Knoxville, TN, faithfully serving in their church. Their son Asher is married with a toddler daughter, Autumn is married with a one-year-old son in Virginia, and Aiden has joined them in Knoxville while finishing Montana Bible College remotely. 

Mel & Annie are enjoying life in their waterfront home in Hayes, VA. Their sons AJ is serving as an EMT in Klamath Falls, OR, and Andy is stationed with the U.S. Army at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, WA. 

Stephen & Neeley remain in Sacramento, CA, raising their two energetic kids (ages 12 and 10). 

We’ll be in Sacramento for Christmas this year, gathering with Mel and Annie as well. 

 On a personal note, after more than 40 years of on and off writing (mostly off), my book is finally finished and published! Bearing the Sword, Not in Vain is now available on Amazon. A second book is already in progress, filled with more police and Coast Guard stories—all pointing to God’s faithfulness and biblical truth. 

 We ask for your continued prayers as we serve our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please especially lift up Dave, one of our dear church members, who is battling pancreatic cancer. 

 Living “in the middle of nowhere” means we don’t get many visitors, but our door is always open. We have two guest rooms and a side-by-side UTV ready for exploring the area—consider this your invitation! We’d also love to hear from you by phone call, text, or email. Until next time, may we all remain faithful. 

 With love, Shelley (for both of us) 

     Contact: Shelley - sgale1952@gmail.com      (541) 218-9717 

                    Dayle - Pastorswife19@gmail.com (541)450-5576 

                    Mailing:      PO Box 116, Orovada, NV 89425 

                    Physical:     125 Willard Dr. Orovada,
NV 89425