Partner Update: Shining Brighter Every Day!

Share the Good News!

Image by José Miguel Sánchez from Pixabay

Dear Partner,

But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. (Proverbs 4:18, NKJV).

As we transition into a new year, my prayer is that our path will get brighter and brighter, and our guidance will grow clearer and clearer. This is my prayer for Susan, me, and you.

In our church meetings, I’ve been focusing on the role of the believer in reaching others for Christ. At the Country Church in Ruthton, Minnesota, Susan shared a very encouraging message from Jeremiah 29:11 about the thoughts and good plans that God has for each of us. I then spoke on “Building the Church on a Solid Foundation.”

I shared about how the Country Church began with the foundation of the Gospel preaching of the late evangelist Henry Vanderbush, and then the foundation was built upon by Pastor Rich DeRuyter, and now the building process is continuing with Pastor Frank Vanderbush, who is a nephew of Henry.

I encouraged the people that the preachers are not the only ones who are called to build God’s church, but also the people of the church do their part through their witness and by showing kindness and care to the people around them.

At Living Waters Church in Clear Lake, Minnesota, I taught on “Your Part in Reaching the World for Christ.” I emphasized the importance of cultivating relationships with those outside the church. We are not called to be a holy huddle inside the church but rather an invading force to take Christ to those around us.

I’ve been writing some short devotionals we are emailing and publishing on our website. People seem to be blessed and encouraged by these Gospel-focused messages, which benefit believers and those who have not yet come to faith. Be sure and sign up for our email updates on the enclosed reply form to receive these devotionals and other content we are producing.

Benin Update

As you may know, our friends in Benin, West Africa, from the Messenger Gospel Church of God have been constructing a classroom addition for The Mt. Moriah Bible School and Vocational Training Center. These classrooms will help facilitate the education of pastors for rural areas in Benin and for the spiritual and natural training of workers in specialized trades.

Last month, we received $110 for this project, leaving a remainder of $9,535. Approximately $5,500 of this amount is needed for the next stage of construction, which is the roof for the second-floor addition. The walls and pillars are now ready in preparation for the pouring of the concrete for the roof. If you would like to invest in this worthy project. You can learn more about the work in Benin and/or make an online donation here>>>

Health Update

I am happy to report that I have completed the weekly chemo treatments I have been taking for a non-cancerous blood condition, and I am starting to have more energy once again. Praise the Lord! Please pray for Susan, as she had hip replacement surgery on December 2. Her femur was fractured during the surgery and she has been in transitional care to help with her recovery. Please pray for a speedy recovery for Susan and that her home health aid (me) will do a good job taking care of her once she comes home.