Dear Fellow-laborers in Christ,
It is hard to believe that Fall is fast approaching already. Seems only last week we were taking down Christmas decorations!
Over all, this has been a good summer, and we want to share some of God's blessings from August. First, it is with thanksgiving that we write of the salvation of nine-year old Berto. On the way home from church one Sunday, Berto told Bev he wanted to be saved, so we drove to a nearby park and sitting under a tree, Gary opened God's Word, shared the way of salvation, and Berto prayed and trusted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. Please pray for his spiritual growth.
Second, many of you had prayed for Paul Adams, who had struggled with an alcohol problem for years. Just before he was sent to rehab two years ago, Paul accepted the Lord as personal Savior. During his time in rehab, Paul studied his Bible and grew spiritually. Now Paul is back, he is living with a Christian family in our church, is faithful in church services, and has employment. There is always the problem that the old friends and temptations are still out there. Pray with us that he will continue to seek the Lord's help and be strong enough to resist them and go on living for the Lord. Thank you for your prayers in that regard.
Third, we were able to attend our annual Missions Retreat, this year held in the beautiful, cool White Mountains near Alpine, AZ. Not only were we refreshed physically, but spiritually. We're so thankful for the challenging messages from Dr. Jerry Tetreau. We needed this reminder of the importance of God's Word; it must be paramount in our lives for us to live in a right way.
Please pray for ten-year old Miklo Lara who faithfully attends services. Miklo's cousin accidentally started a grass fire, then somehow spilled gasoline on Miklo's legs as Miklo was attempting to stomp out the fire. He suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns on his lower legs. Miklo has undergone two skin grafts and is doing well. Also, Mary Beauty, one of the older ladies in our church, recently had to have a pacemaker installed. We would appreciate your prayers for her as well.
We are often reminded of the great blessing of knowing that many of you are praying for us on a regular basis. It makes the difference in the work here. In fact, prayer on our behalf is what makes it possible for us to serve the Lord in this way. Thank you so much!
May God bless you and meet your every need.
In Christ,
Gary & Beverly Messick
