November began for us with a much anticipated service with the Yavapai/Apache Baptist Church in Camp Verde. Pastor Gary Messick has been faithfully teaching the congregation and going through their statement of faith. They organized their assembly and opened their charter membership November 2. It was a blessing to be a part of that service.
Pastor and Mrs. (Pam) Kevin Barthel had their first service at Gilson Wash on the 9th of November. They have fit in well with the church folk and have fresh new ideas for their ministry. They have already proved to be a great blessing and encouragement for everyone.
With the Barthels being at the church, we have taken the opportunity to visit the Baptist Indian Chapel in Bapchule with Pastor Marshall Yazzie and the church family there. It was special to see our ‘old’ friends there and to spend a little time with them.
We have also had the opportunity to visit the new ministry of Pastor Brian Shannon in Ak-Chin on the Tohono O’Odham Reservation. Their small group mushroomed to 50 people the evening we were there. Because of the religious system that has permeated that reservation for years, we are sure that a large part of the 50 in attendance heard the simple message of salvation for the first time. There is an open door in the little village of Ak-Chin. They already have land, buildings, and electricity. Their need now is to get water to the property.
Thanksgiving was spent with all our family together this year at Brian’s and Susan’s home in Gilbert, AZ. It was great to be together and spend some good quality time together.
We want to take this opportunity to THANK each one of YOU for giving us the privilege and responsibility of taking the gospel message to the Native American people. We pray for you and ask your prayers for the work here.
Philippians 1:3 “I (we) thank my God upon every remembrance of you.”
In His love and ours,
Dave and Becky
