Dear Ones in Him,
“Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee.” Luke 8:39
These were Christ's words to a man filled with gratitude after being wonderfully restored by Jesus. Reflecting on the year of 2007, our desire is to share with you “how great things God has been doing in our lives and the ministry.”
Earlier in the year we experienced some low periods. Our church van had been totaled, we didn't know where we stood on the renewal of the lease on the church building, we had lost a sizable amount of our personal support, and our Youth Pastor and wife left, feeling the Lord was leading them to a new area of ministry.
Though we didn't have the answers to these problems, it has been exciting to see how our loving Heavenly Father has worked in each of these situations.
THE VAN – Some of you may recall from our letter last month that while in Indiana, a church gave us an older van that they no longer needed. On the trip home, we had to purchase two new tires for it. The first Sunday we were back, on the way home from church, the upper control arm on the driver's side broke. Upon inspection, it was found that the one on the passenger's side was also in very bad shape. The mechanic was surprised we made it all the way from Indiana! How thankful we are for God's protection. Due to many other mechanical problems, the van was not worth putting any more money in. Through the generous giving of many of you and our own church family over $15,000 has been given toward another vehicle. The vans we have found seem to run around $18,000 to $20,000.
THE CHURCH LEASE – It has been 14 months and we still do not know anything definite as far as the lease is concerned, but in the meantime, we are still able to use the building. Though we feel in the end we will be able to continue using it, the renewal on the lease is going to be a difficulty we will have to face every year, plus the problem of others using the building. For this reason, we ask you to join us in seeking God's will as to whether there might be an existing building we could use or property we could purchase to build on. Gary will be meeting with a couple of men from a small church that has struggled for years to discuss the possibility of acquiring this building for services. It is located near a new housing area the tribe is developing, and would a great opportunity of outreach for our church.
OUR PERSONAL SUPPORT – Some of our supporters increased their level of giving; how very much we appreciate this as it has helped offset some of the loss. In August, we went back east to update our supporting churches on the work here, and were also in three new churches. One church voted to take us on for support, which was a great help.
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY – Since we have been home from our trip back east, several new children have been attending, as many as eighteen one Sunday. It has been a blessing to have one of the ladies and some teens volunteer to help with nursery and junior church when needed. Bev's teen group on Sunday nights has grown in attendance as well.
Praise the Lord for three men that have recently received Christ as personal Savior. We are encouraged and excited to see an increase in church attendance.
Just to update you on the health of our Mission Director, David DeFord. As many of you know, this summer he was diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome. How we praise the Lord for the remarkable progress Dave has made, as he has gone from a wheelchair to using a cane. Please pray for his continued healing.
One of the highlights of this year was to see many of our friends and loved ones when we were back east. You each have richly blessed our lives and we are so thankful for you.
May the blessings of His love bring joy to your hearts this Christmas season.
In Christ,
Gary & Beverly Messick
