Partner Update: Preaching on Eternal Life!
Pastor Jeff and Karol Kapelle
Dear Partner,
In September, I spoke at New Life Fellowship in Tolna, North Dakota, a church where we have enjoyed a relationship for many years. On Sunday morning, I spoke on “How to Receive Eternal Life” to the assembled crowd along with those watching by video on FaceBook and YouTube. You can watch or listen to this message here>>>
The Bible says, “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14, NKJV). We may live on this earth for 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 years, but eternity is forever and ever and ever. We need to prepare for eternity and live in recognition of our own mortality.
Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:27-28, NKJV).
Eternal life is a gift! It has been freely provided through what Jesus did on the cross. The Good Shepherd gives eternal life to His sheep—those who follow Him. That’s our part! To follow Him! it’s as if someone was rescuing you from a deep, treacherous cavern, and He said, “Follow me, and I’ll get you out of here.” Likewise, we must follow the Good Shepherd to get out of the horrible pit of judgment and to come into eternal life in heaven. He is the only way out!
The Value of Faithfulness!
Pastor Jeff and Karol Kapelle have been at New Life Fellowship since its founding in 1988. Shortly after graduating from Trinity Bible College in Ellendale, South Dakota, they set aside a day to pray about where they were to go. Later that day, they received a phone call about a group of people who were meeting near Tolna and were looking for a pastor. Immediately, they knew in their spirits that Tolna would be their new home. They went to Tolna and attended a Sunday service in the front yard of a couple who were hosting the meetings. Soon after, Jeff began preaching on Sundays and became their pastor.
After 36 years of ministry, New Life Fellowship has become a church with a regional influence extending for over 100 miles around Tolna, a place where the houses are often miles apart on the grassy hills, and cows and deer outnumber the people. The influence of New Life Fellowship has grown, not only through the pastoral work but by connections with people outside the church in their daily lives.
For many years, Jeff helped area farmers with fencing, working with cattle and other chores, building bridges, and making friends in the community. Karol also worked in the community, doing child care, decorating for weddings, and more. Several years ago, the Holy Spirit told Jeff he would not be working for farmers much longer. Shortly after that, he was asked to help a funeral home with their funeral services from time to time. This opened up a whole new avenue of connections with people in the community, including opportunities to preach many funerals and weddings, including for some people who did not have a home church.
Pastor Jeff said if he were to advise pastors starting in ministry, he would tell them, “You have to keep planting seeds. But also, you have to wait for them to grow!”
Benin Update
Last month, we had $3,055 come in for the special offering for the classroom addition for the vocational school in Benin. The Messenger Gospel Church of God in Benin also raised $1,000 for the project and is continuing with the work. That means approximately $10,445 remains to complete the project. If you would like to invest in this worthy project, you can make an online donation here>>>
Thank you!
Thank you for your faithful support, prayers, and encouragement. You and the Lord are keeping us going forward. Susan and I delight to pray daily for you and to expect that every blessing of Christ will flow your way in abundance.
Onward,
Tom